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A Very Sad Last Tweet

Reblogger Lauren Yates
Real Estate Agent with Metro West Realty 248313

I have never reblogged, but this is such critical information and maybe a wake-up call.  I find myself fighting the urge to pick up that vibrating phone, but remind myself of the dangers to myself and others. 

Original content by Holly Weatherwax

If you are a news scanner, like I am, you probably saw that Dr. Frank Ryan (Plastic Surgeon to the stars) was killed on Monday, August 16, 2010 when his car drove over a cliff near his home in Los Angeles. At the time of the first report, the article I read said that Dr. Ryan did not drink or use drugs.  It turns out now, however, that he was Tweeting about his dog at the time of the crash (Heidi Montag Plastic Surgeon Frank cell phoneRyan Texting Before Fatal Crash).

It is really hard to know what will get people to change this behavior. While it is very sad that this man died while texting/Tweeting, I hope that the cause of his death will get a lot of publicity. Especially for teens, and even busy executives, who are tied to their Blackberries, iPhones and Droids, the need to be in constant contact is virtually addictive.

The lure of the vibrating phone is one that is hard for all of us to turn away from, but it is critical that we continue to talk about the threat to personal and public safety caused by texting, emailing and tweeting while driving.

As the new school year begins, make a vow (if you haven't already done so) to put down the phone when you drive. If you don't have the will power to at least wait until the next stop light to check it, put it somewhere beyond your reach and make it impossible to check while driving. 

This sad story shows that a person can make other wise health choices and still end up dead because the lure of the instant communication is too great.

Please remember this story the next time you  'just want to see who that email is from.'

Holly Weatherwax, Associate Broker

momentum Realty

EcoBroker,Graduate of Realtors Institute,Accredited Buyers Representative,e-pro

If I can assist you with the purchase or sale of property in Northern Virginia, please visit my website: www.greatexperience.net , my blog Real Estate and Reston or email me at hollyweatherwax@mris.com. My direct number is 571-643-4902.

I believe buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE!

 

 
Posted by

Lauren Yates, GRI   President, West Metro Board of Realtors

Comments(5)

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Michael Ford
Coldwell Banker Heritage Homes - Marion, AR
Matching Families with Homes

Lauren thanks for sharing the re blog.  We all do things in the car when what we should be doing is driving!

Aug 20, 2010 03:55 PM
Misty Spitler Jenkins
Funkhouser Real Estate Group - Woodstock, VA
Building a Relationship one Client at a time!

I never text or check my email while I drive.  My 13 year old daughter will usually type my replies.  Of course spelling is not one of her strong points.  I will take a couple of misspelled words over death...Just a thought. 

Aug 20, 2010 04:06 PM
Mary J Macy
Top Agents Atlanta Metro - Roswell, GA
Top Agents Atlanta Metro, Inc.

It is so easy to justify just looking at your phone or your GPS ( which is just as bad) as you are moving forward and not only affecting your life, but the life of others.   Sad!!!  We all need to be more diligent in this area.  Sad Story, thanks for sharing if it saves someone else the heartache!!!

Aug 20, 2010 04:10 PM
Debbie Laity
CinaJones Real Estate - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County

We just aren't hardwired to drive and text or make phone calls or check messages. I'm as guilty as most people. One thing that helps to keep me in check, is when my daughter is in the car. I don't want to set a bad example.

Aug 20, 2010 04:36 PM
Mike Mayer
Mike Mayer, Broker/Owner - i List For Less Realty, LLC - Lafayette, LA

There are some activities that just shouldn't be performed while with operating a vehicle: drinking (adult beverages), reading, applying make-up, and texting. It's sad he left his common sense at home that day.

Aug 20, 2010 06:43 PM