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Test-drive your willpower and ignore those texts

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By JESSICA BALANZA

jbalanza@tampatrib.com

Published: June 24, 2009

As I was driving down South Village Drive the other day I noticed a light in my middle console from the corner of my eye.

A quick peek revealed it was a text message on my phone. No shocker there because I love texting; it's my way of avoiding long phone conversations.

Reflexively, I put my audio book, "Persuasion" by Jane Austen, on pause and went to grab my phone. But then I stopped and thought this is wrong and that I shouldn't be doing this.

To resist reading that text took all my effort. I know better than to read or type text messages while driving.

Not to mention, I have seen instances of people swerving off the road, cars rear-ending cars and drivers completely ignoring traffic signals.

In this case, my judgment got the best of me and I ignored the text. I figured it could wait until I parked.

Just because we have the capability of receiving text messages, e-mails and tweets on our phones doesn't mean it demands our immediate attention.

During the Florida Legislature's most recent session, numerous bills were filed to either outlaw or discourage texting or talking on cell phones while driving. None passed.

Although I have been guilty of texting and/or reading a text while driving, we should put an end to it now.

Many complain that driving is dangerous, yet we add variables into the problem making it even more hazardous. If we eliminate playing on our phones, driving will still be dangerous. But at least it will have our complete attention.

Some road work you should be aware of:

•Nine Eagles Drive, between Chase Grove Drive and Westwood Lake Boulevard, is getting a sidewalk along with two wooden bridges. Construction is taking place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through July 31.

Water main construction will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sept. 1 at the following Town 'N Country locations:

•Driftwood Drive between Gilbert Avenue and where it dead ends.

•Wynwood Drive between Millwood and Boxwood drives.

•Boulder Place between Lopez Drive and the cul-de-sac.

Send transportation information to Jessica Balanza at jbalanza@tampatrib.com or call (727) 451-2342. Follow Jessica on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JessSteersClear.

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