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Do You DWT?! ....I Do, But Shouldn't

By
Real Estate Agent with 405home @ ERA Courtyard 148333

This may come as a shock to many, but apparently it's becoming more and more common for people to text while they're putting on their makeup, fixing their hair, reading the paper, drinking their coffee, reading a good book and shaving.... oh yeah, and DRIVING.

According to this article, it's a big enough issue that several states are working on passing bills to outlaw driving while texting, or "DWT."  Is that really necessary, or are there bigger issues that could be dealt with?

 AT&T 8525

Yes, I'm sure that in our line of business, we are highly guilty of this as a group.  I'll admit that I am too.  Back before my addiction to smartphones, it was easy to text away without ever taking my eyes off the road.  One thumb and one little 10-key pad to type on was easy.  Now I've got a full qwerty keyboard to deal with.  I can't type by feel anymore, I have to see what I'm doing, and I have to use two thumbs.  So yes, it's a MAJOR distraction if I try to reply to a text while driving, which could equate to danger for everyone around me on the road, so I typically pull over now if I need to text; not always, but most times.  Heck, I've even been known to have the laptop sitting in the front passenger seat while trying to pull up a listing or email a form to someone.  How stupid is that?

What?  You do it too?  OK, let's lighten things up a little bit.  Here's a fun blog post about this topic that might make you chuckle once or twice.  Seriously though, I'm sure this really is a growing problem around the country.  I have no doubt.  I also don't deny that something needs to be done about it.  It's like talking on the phone while driving.  Some can handle it responsibly, and some can't.  I think there is actually a certain gene that holds the ability to effectively drive and talk at the same time.  Problem is, the majority of drivers weren't born with this gene.  Only a lucky few of us can chew bubble gum & walk at the same time.  Same gene. 

So, how do we combat this DWT problem?  Make it an offense punishable by death?  Well, maybe not.  Truthfully, I don't know that even a new law would take care of it, simply because it's like any other law.  If it's not heavily enforced, it won't do any good.  Besides, do we really need more laws to enforce common sense?  I'm pretty sure just about every state in our country has a distraction law.  Did you know that in most places you can actually be ticketed for smoking while driving?  It's a distraction.  You can be cited for "failure to devote full attention."  Same goes for putting on your makeup, fixing your hair, reading a book, or even digging through your purse while driving.  When's the last time you heard of someone getting a ticket for those things? 

Plain and simple, why create more laws?  Why not just utilize the power that's already available to our officers?

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Comments (11)

Lisa Heindel
Crescent City Living LLC - New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Real Estate Broker
Ryan, I can barely text with my undivided attention, no way could I text while driving :)
Jan 13, 2008 01:09 PM
Jennifer Esposito
JenRan Realty, LLC - Woodstock, CT
I don't text at all and when I am driving I'm focusing on the road.  They shouldn't have to pass a law it should be common sense.
Jan 13, 2008 01:12 PM
Nancy Brenner
Referral Associates of Georgia, Inc. - Roswell, GA
Roswell Georgia Real Estate Agent
Ryan - you're scaring me.  Let me know if you're ever drive thru the Atlanta area.  I'm gonna stay home that day!  :-)
Jan 13, 2008 01:15 PM
Jo Olson
HOMEFRONT Realty - Kettle Falls, WA
Retired - HOMEFRONT Realty @ LAKE Roosevelt
Washington State became the first state in the country to make texting while driving illegal. The bill was signed back in May of 2007 and the first part of that bill will be enforceable on January 1, 2008.  On January 1, 2008 if you text on your cell phone while driving you can be liable for a $101 fine.  Washington started the process after a man caused a five car pileup while using his Blackberry device.
Jan 13, 2008 01:52 PM
Mary Bowen
Coldwell Banker United, Realtor - The Woodlands, TX
Real Estate At Its Finest!!!
I've heard its really common among teenagers to text and drive. Scary, uh?  The need all the road focus they can get.
Jan 13, 2008 01:52 PM
Renée Donohue~Home Photography
Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI
Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

I do check my emails at lights or will DWT while stuck in traffic jams.  I remember once I called Joey Azterbaum and say "hey I just got your email and I am driving so I can't write anything down".  He laughed hysterically.  It did sound stupid huh?

I have been behind some DWT'ers and they are worse than DUI'ers.  Really and scary! 

Jan 13, 2008 02:36 PM
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

Generally, I wait until I'm at a stoplight to reply. It's hard to have patience, but since it takes me about 5 minutes to drive anywhere, I think people can wait for my response.  I don't believe in reading emails or dwt. Too dangerous. And my car is too small.


Jan 14, 2008 01:52 AM
Ryan Hukill - Edmond
405home @ ERA Courtyard - Edmond, OK
Realtor, Team Lead

Lisa - I hear ya... it's not easy!

Jennifer - Exactly right.  Of course teens will never see it that way.

Nancy - Don't be scared... I've gotten better about it, since I can't do it one-handed anymore.  I'll let you know though.

Jo - Does that seem to be a common fine around your parts?

Mary - Of all people, the teens are the ones who definitely don't need any distractions.  And yes, I think you're right, it seems to be very common for them.

Renee - Too funny!  Yes, it's reallly bad.... they actually look like they are drunk!

Elizabeth - Waiting would surely be the best thing to do.  Glad to hear you've got it figured out.

Anthony - I did the same with my palm, and recently switched to a different phone that really requires two thumbs, so my driving's probably improved.  Thanks for the link.

Jan 14, 2008 10:58 PM
Jo Olson
HOMEFRONT Realty - Kettle Falls, WA
Retired - HOMEFRONT Realty @ LAKE Roosevelt
Ryan, I have no idea - I have never received any type of ticket :) I have a son who is a Police Officer - I will have to ask him :)
Jan 15, 2008 03:21 AM
Ryan Hukill - Edmond
405home @ ERA Courtyard - Edmond, OK
Realtor, Team Lead
Jo - Keep me posted please.  I'm curious if that type of ticket is as commonly written as it probably should be.
Jan 16, 2008 12:02 AM