"Daddy, we seem to be going pretty fast, are you driving the speed limit?"
"Dad, is there a reason you didn't stop ALL the way back there at that stop sign?"
"Dad, why did you not let that guy into our lane?"Children have a knack for questioning AND for holding us accountable don't they?
I recently read a fantastic article in the New York Times entitled Reframing the Debate Over Using Phones Behind the Wheel. I'd encourage you to check it out and use it as a conversation starter with your kids. Especially of value is the accompanying video under the media section.
Last week, a national conversation bubbled to the surface about new cell phone recommendations put forward by the National Transportation and Safety Board. The NTSB voted unanimously to recommend that all 50 states create a statute making it illegal to operate a portable device while driving a vehicle:
To the 50 states and the District of Columbia:
(1) Ban the nonemergency use of portable electronic devices (other than those designed to support the driving task) for all drivers; (2) use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration model of high visibility enforcement to support these bans; and (3) implement targeted communication campaigns to inform motorists of the new law and enforcement, and to warn them of the dangers associated with the nonemergency use of portable electronic devices while driving. (H-11-XX)
Highway Accident Report: Gray Summit, MO: Collision Involving Two School Buses, a Bobtail and a Passenger Vehicle, August 5, 2010
Even as a school technology coordinator, there are times when I don't always make optimal technology choices. Using my smart phone while operating a vehicle is one of those. I often catch myself making quick personal "risk assessments" regarding my abilities to multitask while driving (which in reality is just hyper-focusing...but that's a topic for a different blog).
Part of being an effective digital citizen is knowing how to appropriately and safely use technology. Is talking on the cellphone while driving the best use of our attention? Is using your cell phone, even with a hands-free device "being safe?" This is where I catch myself not always modeling appropriate digital citizenship for my daughters!
Besides just modeling appropriate behavior for your kids, it's also important to talk with them! Talk about your expectations regarding how a cell phones should be used in the car or even at home, and never forget that good behaviors and habits are always better "caught" than they are "taught." Our actions as parents speak louder than words.Speaking of modeling good cell phone use for our kids, I would like to ask a favor if I could? Can you please refrain from using your cell phone while picking up and dropping off students in carpool lines. Like the old saying goes, "If I had a nickel for every time I saw..."
Your children's safety is important to us! When you are in the carpool line and talking on the phone you are expecting everyone to trust your judgement regarding your ability to multitask. Frankly, that's not something I'm willing to do with the kids walking in the parking lot. Sorry to be blunt, but at the end of the day, your kid's safety is paramount! Thank you!
Cell phone use has spiked in just the past five years. We are the first generation to really engage this technology in significant ways. "Mobile" is the future, and we have a responsibility to help shape the norms and values of these important tools for and with our kids!
Image: "Jennifer in her natural state..." by Flickr User: oaphoto
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/maxbell/405354196/sizes/s/in/photostream/>
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