Ahh Crap! Txting when I shouldn't have

[RW-1]

I'm so embarrased it doesn't register on a meter, it will peg out.

It was bound to happen, though I had been altering my texting habits in the car lately.

Pulled over to send out a long text to my boss, and got an answer.

Wanted to just send ok, or something like that, and it happened.

I drifted just a bit right, and by bad timing, I went by someones driveway who the owners had placed a concrete brick "curb" to it, which kinda extended out partway into the shoulder.

Saw it at last minute but too late.

Blew both right side tires. Rims ok, though nicked slightly.

$300 later (towing was $3, had AAA) I'm ok.

So yes, I'm embarrased, especially being a pilot and all, safety first, etc ...

If there wasn't the "curb" stuff I would have been fine I suppose, until I got nailed by something else, or worse yet if I drifted left slightly, no one else was around. I typically had done this while stopped, or on straight shots with 1500 - 2000 ft before another vehicle.

But no longer, all texts will be done with no movement. And it seems a law is coming that way anyway.

SO .... just a warning, if it can happen to me, it CAN and likely WILL happen to YOU if you persist in doing it whilst moving.

[Hangs head]

 

[lexcyn]

Yeahhhhh... texting/using the phone while driving is already illegal here in Ontario. Not a very smart thing to do even if it is not illegal though. :wacko:

 

[wil318466]

I'm so embarrased it doesn't register on a meter, it will peg out.

It was bound to happen, though I had been altering my texting habits in the car lately.

Pulled over to send out a long text to my boss, and got an answer.

Wanted to just send ok, or something like that, and it happened.

I drifted just a bit right, and by bad timing, I went by someones driveway who the owners had placed a concrete brick "curb" to it, which kinda extended out partway into the shoulder.

Saw it at last minute but too late.

Blew both right side tires. Rims ok, though nicked slightly.

$300 later (towing was $3, had AAA) I'm ok.

So yes, I'm embarrased, especially being a pilot and all, safety first, etc ...

If there wasn't the "curb" stuff I would have been fine I suppose, until I got nailed by something else, or worse yet if I drifted left slightly, no one else was around. I typically had done this while stopped, or on straight shots with 1500 - 2000 ft before another vehicle.

But no longer, all texts will be done with no movement. And it seems a law is coming that way anyway.

SO .... just a warning, if it can happen to me, it CAN and likely WILL happen to YOU if you persist in doing it whilst moving.

[Hangs head]

I drive drunk pretty constantly. I'm good at things like this.

-Wil

 

[Aaron636r]

Glad your ok though. I try hard not to text and drive. Its illegal here in California as well

 

[RW-1]

Thanks you all so far, I'm glad I was by myself when it happened, though the wife immeadiately knew...

Sometimes one needs a monetary reason to stop when all else fails, like common sense. (My 1st smartphone, made it too easy to just sit it on my lap and text).

Just sharing the blame somewhat, but I take responsibility.

 

[cereal killer]

I'm glad your ok.

This is really a serious issue not to be taken lightly. I'm not one to preach to people but besides your own safety it would have been a tragedy if you caused serious injury and/or killed someone.

Consider this a small warning to stop doing this. It's really not worth it. If it's that important, pull over and send it.

Anyway glad your ok minus some damage to your vehicle. Vehicle can repaired a human life cannot.

 

[Jonny Kansas]

I drive drunk pretty constantly. I'm good at things like this.

-Wil[/QUOTE]

I find that I text while driving MUCH better if I've got a little Captain in me.:icon_ banana:

 

[Jonny Kansas]

Glad you're ok, by the way!

 

[ShowTime]

I know it's already illegal back home in IL. Having the car dock helps me keep from doing it; no access to the slide out keyboard and no way to touchscreen type with it in the dock while driving... So forces me to wait to read/return texts until I'm stopped.

 

[pc747]

texting and driving is dangerous im sure the op found out. Glad he is alright. I wish they had a better speak to text app the handcent one is so so. It either hits or is way off.

 

[Troy]

"Talk to me Keyboard" Download it

 

[hookbill]

I think the OP demonstrated a lot of courage just admitting that he did such a thing, specially as he says he is a pilot and understands safety first.

Glad you're OK, lesson learned and fortunately no one else got hurt.

 

[DessoThumbs]

I used to text all the time on my work BB while driving my GOV (Government Owned Vehicle - I work for the DOD). Until one day I accidently bumped the rear end of a Driver's Ed student stopped at a light. It was a very mild bump, not even a scratch on either car. But that was the end of my texting while driving days. Now I don't even read texts/emails while moving unless, of course, I'm a passenger.

 

[Jonny Kansas]

I have texted while driving for probably 7-8 years now with no incident.

I don't recommend it, but if you feel that you HAVE to do so, Time spent looking at the phone between times looking up should be no more than a glance.

If you can't type an entire word, or at least a few letters, while looking at the road and paying attention to what you're doing, don't do it.

Obviously, my opinion isn't shared by most of you, and it's DEFINITELY a lot safer to not text while driving, but it's all about your focus. It should be on the road, not other things.

 

[RW-1]

A glance was all the time it took...