Stop Distracted Driving

Jotto Desk Fully Backs DOT Distracted Driving Summit

Lori Dean — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:13:21 +0000

As we approach the start of the groundbreaking Department of Transportation Distracted Driving Summit on September 30th and October 1st, 2009, Ray LaHood’s office released the agenda for the two day event.

We at Jotto Desk are proud that our nation’s transportation leaders have realized the importance of exploring solutions to distracted driving. We fully support Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and the Department of Transportation’s efforts. Working together we can put an end preventable distractions while driving. It is important to realize that there are multiple tech sources of distraction in addition to cell phones, such as laptops and GPS systems and that there are engineered options that exist today such as safe driving software like ScreenSafe and ZoomSafer that can assist in driving focused, not distracted.

We’re looking forward to these important discussions that can lead to permanent change in public practice, reduction in distracted driving accidents and a reduction in crash fatalities.

Here is the full DOT agenda which is slated to be viewable by the public via web video feeds.

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Distracted Driving Poll – Is A Law Enough to Stop Texting While Driving?

Lori Dean — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:20:26 +0000

In anticipation of Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood’s DOT Distracted Driving Summit Sept 30-Oct 1, 2009, I wondered how the public felt about texting while driving & the idea of a nationwide ban.

Please vote honestly!

View This Poll

Why I Care About Distracted Driving: I Respect My Kids

Lori Dean — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:49:04 +0000

Growing up I was always the “Good Kid.” You know… I didn’t stay out late, did my homework, didn’t drink or smoke. I tried to follow the rules and do what I was told by my parents. Perhaps the one thing I did was drive a bit “zippy” sometimes, but that’s between me and the few police officers that I had chats with. Overall, I was pretty good and probably boring to most. My older brothers on the other hand, got into some mischief occasionally and I think that I learned what not to do from their mistakes. Thanks guys!

Now, I am married and a mother of 2, and I don’t think I’ve changed all that much. I still live pretty much by the rules, usually consider the consequences of my actions, and I am pretty good at making sure everyone else is taken care even if it means my dinner is cold or I’m still up past bedtime doing laundry.

My driving habits have changed though. Long gone are the days of the rolling stop and 65-70MPH in a 45-55MPH zone. Now I find myself going below the speed limit at times, just to get the very best MPG out of my hybrid. Plus, who wants to pay fines for dangerous driving?

I drive safer now for my kids. I don’t send text messages or use my cell phone while I am driving either. Frankly, there are enough distractions to worry about when I’m driving in stop and go traffic without adding a phone into the mix. I just don’t see how people work on their phone or even laptops while driving. Don’t they realize how dangerous driving becomes when you aren’t even looking at the road?

Think about that for a minute… When you get into the driver’s seat of a vehicle, you instantly become responsible for yourself, the passengers and the vehicle itself. In operating that vehicle, you constantly have decisions to make… Turn here, slow down, change lanes, etc. By taking your eyes off of the road to use your phone or laptop while driving, you are making the decision to abandon your responsibilities as the driver. Even “just for a moment” can be the difference in saving your life, the lives of passengers and saving your vehicle from damage.

However, in a distracted driving accident, often times you also have assumed responsibility of the welfare of the other driver(s) involved too. Plus, if it’s a company car accident that you’ve just caused, you’ve also opened your company up for lawsuits and if the damage if enough, you could lose your insurance coverage and maybe your job. Wow! That’s a complicated situation you’ve just created because you thought you had to use your laptop or phone. It can always wait until you’ve parked.

There are safe driving solutions available to help promote distracted driving safety. Jotto Desk offers ScreenSafe Software that eliminates distracted driving for laptops. Also currently in beta trials for Blackberry phones is ZoomSafer, a downloadable solution that reduces distractions on your phone while driving.

It is important to note that by preventing distracted driving, you are proving that you respect the road and the responsibilities you have assumed as a driver. We can learn from the mistakes of others and should make it a priority to change a public opinion that seems to think it is o.k. to call or text while driving. IT’S NOT O.K! Remember, respect your passengers, other drivers and yourself. It’s worth it.

Distracted Driving

Lori Dean — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:22:54 +0000

Distracted driving safety and safe driving systems have been in the news a lot lately. It is important to realistically examine all sources of distraction, evaluate risk levels and proceed with methods of change. A full ban on these devices may be in the works soon, but will require years of legislation and enforcement from public safety officials before it is truly effective. Distracted driving software that assists drivers in staying focused on the road exist today, both for phones and laptops.

We all know that people are going to continue texting or working while driving even if it is made illegal, but there are software options to prevent it today and provide additional safety and peace of mind.