10 and 2

Keep your hands at 10 and 2 my Driver’s Ed teacher used to tell me. Good advice that I need to adhere more often. It seems that with the birth of the multitasking revolution I am finding it harder and harder to follow this one simple rule. A rule that at its core is designed to keep me safe on the road. Ah, but I have this smart phone. This smart phone is magic. In fact I am writing this blog post from the WordPress App on my iPhone (from the couch, not the car). Pretty amazing toy we all have access to.

It tells me when I have email. A gtalk message. A text. A calendar alert… and oh yeah, a phone call. It’s way to easy to look.”oh I’ll look just once, no worries.”

Now I have been driving for awhile, and while I’m arrogant enough to think that I’m not distracted. The truth is I am. And more importantly I need to set the example for my kids. I admit… I have texted “i’m on my way” or “just leaving now” texts with the kids looking on.

Do as I say. Not as I do. Right?

Well, as the parent I need to set a positive example. As a result, I am joining the Ad Council of Rochester and taking part in “Put Down Month.” Which means just that. When I am driving in my car this month, I AM PUTTING THE PHONE DOWN. The text, call, email, Facebook post, tweet or anything else that makes my phone go buzzzzzz CAN WAIT. I am going to keep my hands at 10 and 2, and reinforce to my kids the need to stay focused while driving a half ton weapon on four wheels. So that when my kids are in a similar situation they will hopefully do the same. I’m not sure what I would do if something happened to them while they were distracted as a new driver. I dread the day one of them turns to me and says “well, you do it. I thought it was okay.” The Ad Council goal is to get 1,000 people to join this event. One. Thousand. People. Log in to Facebook and join the cause with me.

So, right now it’s… Do as I say. And as I do. I’ll let you know how it goes.