Thanksgiving is One Of the Deadliest Holidays

Sorry, that is not a very uplifting title. But is is the truth and the truth seems to be ignored or accepted and that, to me, is ridiculous.

According to an article from Forbes:

In 2008, "502 people were killed on the road that day. On a typical day, 102 people die in traffic accidents. Robert Sinclair, a spokesman for AAA, says the combined factors of more than 50% more drivers on the road and higher-than-usual alcohol consumption contribute to its danger."

502 people died on Thanksgiving!!! In their cars.

That's nuts.

Yet, we don't talk about it. When I talk about it often I'm met with smirks. But when I keep talking people usually become somber and say, yeah, yeah, it is weird.

I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and nice holiday.

The facts are a lot of people will die in the next week in car accidents. But I guess that is currently the American way. My family will be on the roads as well. It is hard for me to put us in a car, zipping along, knowing the numbers in my head. On California freeways. But I don't want my fear to cripple me or my kids. So I will put my beloved treasures out there. And just hope. While of course, driving as safely as I can.

Contributor Shannon Noel Webb Journals About Her Pledge to Not Text & Drive

This is a post by Fix The Toaster contributor Shannon Noel Webb on her struggle to stay away from her phone while driving. I love her honesty  here.

Day # 1

Yesterday was my first full day of attempting to NOT text or check e-mails while driving.  This must be what a heroin addict feels like on their first day of recovery.  Not to make light of such a terrible addiction but holy cow I thought I would lose my mind, I even started to itch all over.  Maybe that’s because I used a new detergent but still it was painful and I had nothing to distract me from the pain except, oh, I don’t know – FOCUSING ON DRIVING!  I tried.  I did. 

See I signed a contract.

If I am anything, I am good to my word. 

Or at least I thought I was. 

I fell off the wagon at the first stop light.  I was through two e-mails before I even realized what I was doing.  What has become of me?  How did this happen? 

This constant need for constant communication is insane.  This is my only quiet time during the day.  Why am I using it to talk, tweet, text and e-mail?  I should be listening to some Enya and turning my seat warmers on.  (That just occurred to me and I will try it tomorrow) but yesterday I had to sit on my hands.  Seriously, is anything THAT important that it cannot wait? 

Maybe.  I do have two small children, a father having surgery today and a good friend going in for a biopsy.  BUT…why would I risk adding injury to injury by texting, typing or doing anything to distract me from the task at hand: driving my car safely to my destination? 

Today is Day #2 and I think I will do better.  I will keep you posted – WHEN I AM SAFELY AT MY DESK!

Reasons to Drive Safely

Reasons to drive safely vary. For some of you it's your kids, others it's a moral code of feeling bad if you we're to hurt someone else. For a lot of people I think they are not connecting driving safe = life.

And I think life can be pretty good. So whether it is your kids you love, beer or girls drinking beer in bikinis please try to think of these things or people. You hold so much power when behind the wheel.

Here are a few reasons I drive safely. Things I enjoy: