We've all heard some horrific stories of people dying in car accidents due to using their cell phones while driving. I recall one such accident involving 5 teen aged girls who had just graduated from high school, looking forward, no doubt, to the the wonderful future that lay ahead. I remember thinking when I saw their pictures that one was more beautiful than the next.

The details of the accident indicated that the girls were going to their parent's summer home to celebrate their graduation.  Behind them were the boys that were going to join them.  Cell phone records showed that 2 minutes before the accident a text message was sent from one of the boys in the car behind the girls. One minute before the accident, a text message was sent back from the girls' car. No one will ever know if it was the driver or one of the other girls in the car who was texting because, tragically, all five girls died in that accident.

Sometimes my thoughts turn to how my life could change instantly, if God forbid, I struck another human being because I was talking on my cell phone while driving. Just close your eyes for one minute and imagine how your life would change. I have cut way back on my cell phone use while driving because I feel most calls really can wait and because I want to be a good example to my daughter who will soon be driving. I don't want it to be "Do as I say and not as I do." 

As realtors, I think we feel strongly that we just MUST answer the phone or we will miss that buyer/seller who might be calling or we might lose the deal. I have a blue tooth so that at least I can have both hands on the wheel but my focus still isn't 100% on driving.

Yesterday, USA Today, posted an article regarding cell phone use titled,
"Efforts to Limit Cell Phone Use While Driving Grow" and you can also read about the pending legislation in many states regarding cell phone use, especially texting and in some cases including the use of blue tooth in the article, "States Target Distracted Drivers." This will be important legislation to follow in the months to come.

I think it's important for all of us who make our living "on the road" to remember that no commission is worth someone's life or the lives that are ruined by accidents like the one mentioned above.

So to all my clients, past, present, and future, please forgive me if I don't immediately pick up my phone. Consider the fact that I may be driving and putting safety first, of not only myself but especially others.

If you would like to buy or sell a home in Broadview Heights Ohio or in the surrounding communities, please call me at 440-263-7496, or you may want to visit my website for more specific information on the communities I service: Brecksville Ohio Real Estate, Broadview Heights Ohio Real Estate, North Royalton Ohio Real Estate Independence Ohio Real Estate, Seven Hills Ohio Real Estate, Parma Ohio Real Estate, Parma Heights Ohio Real Estate and Middleburg Heights Ohio Real Estate.  Information is obtained from Neohrex and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.