Anyways, the point of this rant is that America is too darn precious to allow these distracted driving behaviors to continue, and in the good spirit of Memorial Day, I’ve pledged to join the “Decide to Drive” movement. Essentially, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Auto Alliance want to increase awareness about the risks of distracted driving, and I’m doing my part to help. The Decide to Drive program aims to empower drivers and passengers to speak up about distracted driving and encourage others to continue their ever-so-important phone conversations at home, work, or during stationary play. Orthopaedic surgeons, ie the specialists who put bones and limbs back together after road crashes and body trauma, along with their partnered automakers, are especially adamant about promoting this message, and they reiterate that the most advanced safety feature of any vehicle is the driver. The AAOS and the Auto Alliance urges all drivers to keep their most sophisticated safety features engaged at all times: their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.

I found it kind of ironic that this wise O quote was on my Starbucks cup on the ride to Hilton Head. Kudos to you, AAOS and Auto Alliance, for following your passion and promoting your message!

I’m hoping I can convince a handful of you to also jump on the #DecidetoDrive bandwagon, as well! Speak up and articulate when you see someone participating in distracted driving behavior. Know your facts, and remember that no amount of fancy car gadgets is safer than an attentive driver. Oh, and enter the Decide to Drive catchphrase contest! They’re searching for the best and most clever tag line for this important campaign, so if you’ve got any ideas, enter enter enter!