Distracted Driving: A Wake‑Up Call on the Road

On a typical Friday, traffic in Southwest Florida became a maze of cars heading toward the upcoming holiday. From a car’s window, it was easy to spot the “motorized gophers” – drivers whose heads popped up when a horn sounded. They were so engrossed in their phones that they barely noticed the traffic light or the cars behind them. When a horn blared, the driver would jerk their head around like a startled animal, realizing they were still behind the wheel. After that moment, they would press the gas pedal and roll forward, often oblivious to their surroundings.This pattern is not rare; it happens all the time when people try to multitask behind the wheel. Because distracted driving can cause serious accidents, insurers may start refusing coverage for collisions where texting or emailing was a factor. The risk is high, and the consequences can be fatal. A public service message from golfer Jordan Spieth reminds drivers that “It can wait. ” His calm voice urges people to put their devices aside while on the road. When I see a distracted driver, I chuckle and then steer clear of that situation. Driving safely is more important than replying to a message at the wrong moment.