We live in a busy, busy world. It seems we try to do everything. This has led us to be quite good at multitasking. But is it always a good thing?

Sure, she’s pretty talented at changing a baby while on the phone or listening to a recorded book while jogging, but she’s gotten a little out of hand when it comes to cell phones and driving. Many of us don’t think it’s dangerous or think ‘we’ can handle it better than anyone else. Look at these stats:

Automobile Association of America Foundation for Highway Safety

o More than half of US drivers report using a cell phone while driving.

o 7 out of 10 admit to texting while driving.

o Young drivers were overwhelmingly more likely to text and somewhat more likely to talk on a cell phone while driving than older drivers.

o Men with higher education are more likely to talk while driving

o You are 3 times more likely to have an accident if you are dialing a phone

Oh! That’s scary, but why do I feel like this won’t change your habits? Honestly, I’m sitting here saying to myself, “That’s pretty bad.” But I’ll probably use my cell phone again. I need to break that habit. Here are a few more to convince you:

Virginia Driving Institute of Technology

o Dialing a cell phone increases the risk of traffic accidents by 2.8 times. Look at that, same as the findings of the American Automobile Association.

o Texting while driving increases the risk of accidents by 23.2 times. 23 times!!!

Finally, some states have adopted actual laws on this subject and I hope more will follow.

This is what California is doing:

o No texting while driving

o Do not use your cell phone while driving

o If you are under 18, you cannot even use hands-free devices while driving.

Okay, bottom line: If you’re driving, don’t text, and if you don’t have a hands-free device, wait until you can pull over to talk on the phone. Remember, you are not the only one on the road. We ALL share the road. Do not be selfish. Get a hands-free device and keep your eyes on the road.