Distracted drivers a menace to all

Most of us have heard about the accident on Bogard Road. Most of us were stunned by the impact of a pickup truck that slammed into the tiny building that is Little Miller’s Express coffee shop on April 23.

The spectacular violence of it all caught our attention. The shear luck that no one died from this is a blessing. It could have been much, much worse.

From what Alaska State Troopers have said, distracted driving allegedly contributed to the accident, though it is still under investigation.

It’s time to discuss this subject because it affects all who drive on Alaska’s roads, especially now that the summer construction and tourist seasons have kicked off. Lives are at stake — yours, mine and everyone who uses the road. Let’s face it squarely: distracted driving is a cold-blooded killer.

There are a wide variety of distractions while driving. Children can act up in the back, the family dog barks at something, food and drink are consumed while driving, or while the driver hunts a CD or tape to put in for that perfect cruising music. Alaska’s vibrant scenery and wildlife are major distractions, too, as most of us can attest. These distractions happen all the time. Most can be dealt with. The distracted driving I’m referring to is the end result of our digital age.

The advent of the cellphone, smartphone, iPad and, worst of all, text messaging are modern marvels that are all killers when used on our roadways.

It is a cold fact that distracted driving involving these devices has surpassed drunken driving accidents and fatalities in recent years. And like drunk driving, these deaths are entirely preventable — but only if the owners of such devices use a little thing called common sense.

Many states, including Alaska, have adopted laws that make it a criminal offense to use such devices while operating a vehicle. I hope these new laws deter distracted driving.

Now there is something we all can do until then and well after.

We have all seen drivers on our roads with a cellphone planted in their faces, jabbering away with complete abandon and making life on the road just a little more nerve-wracking for all. First, get a hands-free device. Second, limit its use while driving. Better yet, pull off the road when it is safe to do so and talk all you want.

I want to say this about text messaging, and please forgive me for being blunt, just don’t. Don’t even think about using one while driving, period.

These devices are proving to be the most dangerous of all. It was due to some very serious and fatal accidents involving these things have prompted the laws that are being put on the books. Some of them happened right here on our Alaska roads. Texting Billy Bob that Little Sue is dating Ralph at 60-plus mph is a grand recipe for a head on meeting with a semi — and likely, your maker.

We all know about the dangers of drinking and driving. Texting and driving is no less dangerous. Distracted driving as a whole produces the same results.

Take the hint and don’t do it.

Wasilla resident Daniel D. Grota retired from the U.S. Army after more than 21 years of service.