Research has shown that those type of distractions can impair a driver as much as operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It can be that dangerous.
Many of us have heard the warnings against trying to do too much in the car -- that we need to focus on the road for our own and other people's safety. Often, we know we shouldn't play with the radio or text, but we do it anyway, because we think we're unlike other drivers and can multi-task safely.
Unfortunately, it often takes a tragedy to remind us that there are sometimes dangerous consequences to the distractions we choose to create for ourselves.
Apparently, such a tragedy occurred last week that should make us listen to the warnings about what can happen.
Twenty-eight-year-old Kristin Bowser was a social worker living in Camp Hill. According to those who knew and worked with her, Bowser was dedicated to helping women and children at Hamilton Health Center. Kristin and her husband Christopher were out with friends in Harrisburg. The Bowsers called a taxi cab to take them home. That cab was driven by 34-year-old Michael Amissah of Harrisburg.
As the taxi crossed the Market Street Bridge around 2:30 a.m., a second car coming the opposite direction, swerved, hitting the taxi head-on. Michael Amissah, the cab driver, and Kristin Bowser were killed.
Later, Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed said the driver of the other car -- 30-year-old Andrew Denezza of Swatara Township, Dauphin County, was text messaging when the crash occurred. No charges have been filed and police are awaiting toxicology tests on Denezza.
Perhaps, it was the thought of a young life who offered so much to other people being cut short or that two children will grow up without their father, but this horrific crash got the attention of people across Pennsylvania. Many are demanding that the state ban text messaging or talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving.
Other states have laws against distractions while driving. Should Pennsylvania? Tune in Tuesday's Radio Smart Talk to learn more.
Guests:
Rep. Eugene DePasquale (D-York)
Cindy Brough, Central Penn AAA
