by Leeuna Foster
For my topic today I thought it would be good to address the issue of driving a vehicle while engaging in conversation on a cell phone.
While presenting these facts to you, I also wanted to say a few words about nose boogers and how both of these issues need to be put into their proper perspective. (I can hear some of you out there saying, “It’s high time someone addressed these issues,” to which I reply, “You’re welcome.”)
While driving down Jackson-Love Highway yesterday afternoon, I passed several cars going in the opposite direction. While this in itself is not unique since it is a two-lane blacktop, I began to actually take notice of the drivers operating the vehicles.
This is something new to me as I often pay no attention whatsoever to the faces in the oncoming windshields. In so doing, the startling fact was brought to my attention: for almost every other car that passed me, there was a cell phone attached to the driver’s ear.
And here’s the real kicker: all of them were women drivers except for three.
Out of the thirty-seven odd motorists that passed by, only three were men. And out of these three men drivers, one was talking on a cell phone, one wasn’t, and the other one had his finger up his nose.
Now in light of all these cold hard facts, I ask you this question: Should picking one’s nose while driving be outlawed?
According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which issued the report, ten percent of drivers were caught picking their noses, up from 4 percent last year. This has become increasingly prevalent over the past few months, mainly due to the heavy pollen count and possible boredom.
Highway Safety Analysts are now recommending that motorists remove offensive matter from their nasal passages while driving, only during an emergency.
Researchers have tried to figure out the possible risks of driving and nasal clearance. A study published by the Metropolis Medical Journal in June of last year found that drivers with their fingers in their noses were four times as likely to get into a crash that could cause injuries serious enough to land them in the hospital.
Even the use of a tissue or hankie may not necessarily improve safety. Both types of booger removal can increase the risk of accident.
Safety officials contend that picking one’s nose is just one the many forms of distraction for motorists: many drivers drink hot coffee, fiddle with the knobs on their stereo, apply makeup or smoke cigarettes, while the others chat on their cell phones.
Nevertheless, whether one is picking, talking, smoking, drinking, eating, or fiddling, they should always pay close attention to what the drivers of the other cars are doing.
You’ll have to excuse me as I am right now entering a busy intersection and I must stop typing and focus on the road.
And besides that, my cell phone is ringing.
I did, however, remember to blow my nose thoroughly before leaving home. I believe the new traffic law will go into effect any day now. It’s called “Pick it and Ticket.”