I wanted to lie to you. I didn't want to mislead you, but because I had a great idea that would really drive home a point about the law -- and wanted to get your attention -- then I'd have to lie. So, I decided to lie and present the story as something that actually happened. My boss wouldn't let me. So, here's the story I was going to tell:
He was 28.
My husband and I went to a funeral the other day. A young man we knew died in an auto accident. His parents are friends of ours. There was no visitation beforehand. His family couldn't cope with visitation. The church was crowded. His dad, mom, and older brother were in the front row. His grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins were all there. His family was in shock. My husband and I were heartbroken. The folks in our community who filled the pews were grief-stricken as well. It was hard to be there. Many tears fell in the church that day. I couldn't imagine how his family would cope without him in their lives. He was so young. He was 28.
After graduating high school, he went on to culinary school. He aspired to be a chef. During semester breaks, we'd have his family over for dinner. Talk would turn to what he was learning at school. He'd tell us he was going to be The Next Food Network Star and have the best cooking show ever. His family encouraged his dream and we did too.
After culinary school, he talked about opening his own restaurant. His parents wanted him to start small. He wanted to go big. They compromised. They provided the financial backing and helped him with the remodeling of a vacant storefront. They opened a small diner in town. The young man jumped right in and never looked back. He was the top chef.
His food is tasty. He uses top-notch products. Eight months later, he has "regulars" who frequent his diner. Not long ago, he branched out a bit and started to offer daily specials. He was having the time of his life. Then it was over. He was 28.
On August 28, 2009, a new law went into effect in Missouri. It specifies that, "any person 21 years of age or younger who operates a moving motor vehicle while sending, receiving, or writing a text or electronic message by means of a hand-held electronic wireless communications device will be guilty of an infraction." The fine is $200.00.
If you're over 21 years old, then it's legal for you to read, type, receive, or send text messages while driving. But...if you're younger, legally you can't. Your age gives you this "special privilege". Can this be interpreted to mean lawmakers consider drivers over the age of 21 are more responsible when they text and drive than those who are younger? Pardon me. I don't get it. What does one's age have to do with this?
Have you ever received, read, typed, or sent a text message while you were driving? Your answer would be "yes" or "no". There's no middle ground. Either you have or you haven't.
I'll be honest. I have. The minute I did -- I became an impaired driver. Frankly, I can't look at my cell phone, read a text message, type, send one back, and drive at the same time. My solution? I turn off my phone when I get in the car and turn it back on when I arrive at my destination.
Yeah, yeah...I know. Some of you can text and drive at the same time. You've developed a skill. You've had no problems. Wow. Congratulations! It's the equivalent of driving down the road with your eyes closed. You don't even need a blindfold.
So, what does texting while driving have to do with a narrative of a funeral? For some of you, it's obvious. For others -- not so much...
The young chef was driving home from the restaurant when he heard the beep from his cell phone indicating he had a text message. The message was from his Mom. She asked when he was coming home. He began to type a reply...and as he did, he drifted off the road and lost control of his car. His mother never got the message. He was 28.
So, what do you think about this story? Is it wrong to present it as something that actually happened? Does it do more good than harm? Does it alter your perception about texting while driving? Did it make a difference? Did it make you think? Feel free to give us your feedback. We'd like to hear what you think...