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Texting Splash!

By Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375

Managing Real Estate Broker with Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions"

March 20, 2012 07:55 AM

Ok, I text, but usually not driving. Michigan passed a law against no texting and driving. It certainly hasn't stopped some drivers. Yesterday a car zipped by me like I was backing up. I wasn't in the passing lane of the expressway, doing the speed limit of 70 and they surely were doing 80.

A few miles up the road they were still in the passing lane doing 60-65 holding up cars. I went by in the normal right lane for us few that think going the speed limit is OK and my gas mileage is a bit better. I peeked over and they were busy texting looking up to see the road at periodic intervals.

Well that was yesterday.

Today we had a woman fall off a pier into Lake Michigan because she was walking and

Cold Day for a Swim!

texting!

No wonder she wasn't driving! That is taking the saying a long walk off a short pier to extreme. How would you like to explain to water rescue that you fell off the pier because you were answering a text message? "Don't forget the milk honey!"

I saw the video of the woman walking in the mall and fell into the fountain. That was good laugh and see didn't seem hurt. No reports on this texting worman. I heard several bi-standers held up score cards with 3's on them. Her swan dive off the peir must not have been that graceful.

I have done some pretty crazy things while being distracted, on medication or simply a mental neutral (we know the other words for that) but I have never walked off a pier! Is that like walking the plank?

I have hit my thumb with a hammer. I have stapled my hand, don't ask. I have put a nail in my head, don't ask. I have required stitches five years in a row, not for a while now. Nope, never walked off a pier, jumped off a bridge though. It was fun, did it 4 or 5 times, it was only about 10 feet from the water. The train came and spoiled the fun.

We all do dumb things but texting where you can put yourself or others in danger can wait. I wonder if she will be given the bill for the cost of the water rescue? I wouldn't be surprised. That might be the most expensive text anyone has every made.

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Ron T. Weems Jr.

Weems Property Group | KW North Sound - Bothell, WA

Managing the details one home at a time.

Gary,

They passed a law here in Washington making it against the law to text and drive. I am guilt of it. I do sometimes text while driving. I am working on getting better by not putting the phone where it is easily accessible. Thanks for the reminder.

Mar 20, 2012 01:03 PM

Yvonne Schnee

Keller Williams Realty Moorestown - Lumberton, NJ

I love my iPhone, just hold down a button & let Siri do the typing while keeping my attention to the road.

Mar 20, 2012 02:26 PM

Myrl Jeffcoat

Sacramento, CA

Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

In the past few months, I have come close to being whacked in a car accident by other drivers, who continue to break the law while either talking on a cell phone or texting! I don't think the penalties are stiff enough, or they aren't being enforced as much as they should.

Mar 20, 2012 02:41 PM

Sharon Parisi

United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX

Dallas Homes

The bottom line is that we need to pay attention to whatever we are doing and not be distracted.

Mar 20, 2012 03:15 PM

George Bennett

Inactive - Port Orford, OR

Inactive Principal Broker, GRI

Hopefully the local police will step up enforcement and convince people who want to text while driving that it will cost them dearly if they are caught. Better to be cited than to cause serious injury or death because of this reckless endangerment.

Mar 20, 2012 03:26 PM

Evelyn Kennedy

Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA

Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Gary:

I text, but never when I am driving, walking, eating and moving in any way. What a crazy thing to do. Both the driver of the car on the highway and the walking lady were lucky they weren't killed or they didn't kill someone else.

Mar 20, 2012 03:37 PM

Janet Jones

Just Your Style Interiors, LLC - Kihei, HI

Home Staging, Interior Redesign Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Hi Gary--wow, that is amazing, and I don't think I would want to be going into Lake Michigan right now even though the Midwest has had some warm temperatures. How many accidents and fatalities have to happen before everyone gets the message about how dangerous this is? Post like yours should be considered "community service"!

Mar 20, 2012 05:20 PM

Doug Bullwinkel

Envoy Mortgage,NMLS ID 6666 - Sacramento, CA

Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #281609

In California talking on a call phone or texting is illegal and gives probable cause to stop you and issue a citation. It is dangerous but I still find myself answering the phone while trying not to miss a client call. I really have to go to hands free soon. Thanks for the reminder to all.

Mar 20, 2012 06:19 PM

Gabe Sanders

Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL

Stuart Florida Real Estate

It's pretty easy to get trapped into texting and doing something else and I can see me walking off a pier as well!

Mar 20, 2012 08:40 PM

Cheryl Ritchie

RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD

Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

That title makes you chuckle once you have read the post beginning to end!

Mar 20, 2012 09:20 PM

LaNita Cates

REMAX of Joliet - Joliet, IL

I see people still texting while driving and it also against the law in Illinois. It shocks me that people do it and think it's OK.

Mar 20, 2012 10:23 PM

Donna Bosze

Realty Executives Top Producers - Chesapeake, VA

Ask Me Why I'm Different!

GOOD hands-free technology needs to happen soon. I haven't tried Siri yet, but I hear that is a step in the right direction!

Mar 20, 2012 10:24 PM

Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty

Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL

Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Texting while driving or walking can be dangerous. Who wants their last text to be "oh crap!"...of course they may not have time to hit the send button!

Mar 20, 2012 11:20 PM

Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375

Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI

Real Estate Services You can Trust!

Hi Deborah, I think your situation with your Mom is a much worse issue. Everyone has commented how quickly being distracted can turn tragic. Thanks for the comments Deborah.

Hi Jeanne & Ralph, we can see the funny side of this subject but serious side is very dangerous to everyone. Thanks for your comments Jeanne & Ralph.

Hi Gretchen, you need to bring your video camera. That might be some very funny shots. The issue is when people stumble driving a car the consequences can be devastating. Thanks for the comments Gretchen.

Hello Beth, I have nothing to add to your comments. I think you said it all! Distracted driving can cause life long changes and un-needed suffering for innocent people because of a phone call, text, conversation or road sign. All of which in most states have legislation to regulate for a reason. Many people can not be responsible so we have to have laws to make them responsible. A sad state of affairs. Thanks for your comments Beth.

Hi Harry, surprising what people do to themselves and others. Thanks for the comments Harry.

Hi Gary, we have all seen them, I have even dodged a few on the highway as they drifted into my lane. We can only hope that the reality of the danger doesn't bite them or us! Thanks for your comments Gary. Hope all is well!

Hi Jon, you would think people would know the danger but we have daily accidents and deaths because of distractions. Thanks for your comments Jon.

Hi Cal, I have some pretty good videos missed this one! I still think telling water rescue, "I fell in because I was texting", would make you think twice about texting. Then being handed a bill for a few thousand dollars to cover the cost of the rescue...is the gift you keep on giving too! Thanks for the comments Cal. Hope you are doing great.

Hi Joy, we have had our law for about 2 years now. I don't know of anyone that has been ticketed but I do know of several deaths, locally, that have been attributed to texting while driving. Thanks for your comments Joy.

Hi Cindy, I have to agree that some of the video make you just roll with laughter the underlying danger is always present. Thanks for your comments Cindy.

Hi Georgina, I am waiting for a waterproof case so sports enthusiasts can keep track of their phone messages while swimming, surfing or boating. OH, I forgot they already have a waterproof bag style cover that lets you text, talk and read your messages! :-) Thanks for your comments Georgina.

Hi Dee, I think you and thousands of other would have loved to see that swan dive as well. The water temperature is probably 55 degrees. I am sure it was an eye opener! Thanks for the comments Dee.

Hi Jill, the presentation was funny but as you point out the situation of cell phone usage combined with texting in the wrong environment can be very dangerous. Thanks for your comments Jill.

Hi Kathy, I agree 100%. I presented the subject matter in a lighthearted manor to expose the danger of what is an epidemic of dangerous and poor decision making using great technology. Thanks for your comments Kathy.

Hi Sharon, not all of these have happy ending. We had a 16 year old killed in an auto accident about a year ago, texting while driving. Very well liked and bright young man from all accounts. No one is immune to tragedy or accidents when distracted. Thanks for your comments Sharon.

Hi Joan, Michigan has a law but we all know unless you are ticketed or involved in an accident it doesn't seem to stop people. Thanks for the comments Joan. Hope you are doing well.

Hi Eric, I love the I Phone, I am not sure about some of the software flaws that had to be fixed but it is a cool phone, combined with my Ipad and my laptop they create a real combination of options. Thanks for you comments Eric.

Hi Kathy, I have days I would love to be disconnected! I am working on a special video ad for a great cause but the business side of things is getting in the way of fun! Thanks for your comments Kathy.

Hi Tim, we see people everyday doing things they shouldn't be doing. My GPS cost a lot of money from GM as an accessory. It is probably one of the least functional pieces of technology I own. I turn down the radio because the voice for direction comes over the radio. Why listen to her, I know I am going to get lost if I follow the darn thing. It is distracting. Thanks for your comments Tim.

Hi Dee, I couldn't agree more. Distractions can create tragedy for everyone involved. Thanks for your comments Dee.

Hi Laura, they don't have the balance you have to understand we need harmony to function. Get out of balance and we go off our rails! Thanks for your comments Laura.

Hi Ron, I used to do more texting and quite with the new law. I will stop or return the text when I get to my destination. I have educated my clients. If I do not answer I am with a client of in an area where answering isn't possible. I always call them back. Thanks for the comments Ron.

Hi Yvonne, I think it is one of the most useful pieces of technology, expensive but nice. Thanks for your comments Yvonne.

Hi Myrl, I too was nearly side-swiped yesterday. The driver was looking down at his phone. I have no idea if he was texting but certainly distracted. Thanks for your comments Myrl. Hope all is well with you!

Hi Sharon, focus will solve many things in life and driving would be a great place to start. Thanks for your comments Sharon.

Hi George, I doubt they'll set up any enforcement specific areas for texting or phone issues. This certainly offers a reason to pull drivers over and add other violations at the same time. Just my take on how the Michigan law seems to be handled. Thanks for your comments George.

Hi Evelyn, I have enough trouble without doing something like texting and driving. I am not sure what the spelling would look like. I send some hieroglyphics now! Thanks for the comments Evelyn.

Hi Janet, the temperature in Lake Michigan might be 55 degrees along the pier area. Regardless it would make you wide eyed when you hit the water! Thanks for your comments Janet.

Hi Doug, I have been using hands-free for a few years. It is simple and effective. I do switch my earbud from one ear to the other everyday. I don't want any hearing damage. I am not sure it would happen but my little thing I guess. Thanks for the comments Doug.

Mar 20, 2012 11:51 PM

Suzanne Gantner

Realty Texas - Round Rock, TX

GRI, E-Pro, SRES, SRS, ABR, CNE, REDS, CPS, WCS

That is crazy hope she is ok, but we have all seen people do stupid stuff and it usually begins with them talking on the phone or texting. I only hope Texas puts into effect the hands free talking and no driving and texting and enforce it.

Mar 21, 2012 12:59 AM

Morris Massre

Pembroke Pines, FL

Real Estate Instructor Broward County Florida

I wish to god Florida would pass such a law. We are the home of the worst drivers in the country already.

Mar 21, 2012 01:33 AM

Anonymous

Steven Cook

Gary -- as Ron (#23) mentioned Washington state has law against holding cell phone to ear or texting while driving -- but after it was enacted, I saw a young woman driving down a major arterial (doing about 35 MPH) using both hands to text - and her knees to steer -- and she was approaching a traffic signal.

Mar 21, 2012 05:23 AM

#38

Sharon Tara

Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH

Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

It has really gotten frightening on the roads. Too often people think they have control and can do both drive and text....with horrific results. It's just not worth the consequence.

Mar 21, 2012 08:27 AM

Susan Haughton

Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA

Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

I laughed and laughed at the idea of someone falling off the pier...not wishing anyone any ill will, of course, but I just don't get the obsession with texting at the expense of everything else! Just nuts.

Mar 23, 2012 12:03 PM

Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375

Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI

Real Estate Services You can Trust!

Hi Susan, she is fine. A little embarrassed! She is now advocating cell phone safety and the proper use of cell phones. That could be a new career move, we know she can't walk and talk! :-) Thanks for your comments Susan.

Hi Morris, I have to agree, drivers in Florida are bad. I am not sure they all are on the way to the eye doctor or getting joint replacements! Most of the older crowd does not hang on cell phones or text. I laughed, because of living in Florida for five years I knew exactly what you meant. Thanks for your comments Morris.

Hi Steve, you do know that "stupid" is more than skin deep! Since i wrote this article, my attention has been focused on people texting a bit more. I observed two people walking and texting while I was downtown Grand Rapids Michigan. One walked into a street light pole and the other into a decorative flower pot with a 3 ft. diameter. I laughed and thought to myself darn I didn't get a photo of that! Thanks for the comments Steve.

Hi Sharon, people has respect each others rights, but many times they don't. One of the worst is texting and driving. It changes your focus and can cost lives in a fraction of a second. Thanks for your comments Sharon.

Hi Susan, I couldn't help but write about it. I dramatizes without the injuries of what can happen when distracted. This woman was walking, not driving and lives in the area. She has walked on that same pier many times. The results of texting changes ones focus and has lead to some horrific results. That is why all these laws are being passed. Thanks for your comments Susan.

Mar 23, 2012 09:44 PM

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