hang up and drive!

I feel compelled to share this little PSA*. I want to preface this by admitting that I actually own a cell phone, but I use it judiciously. I do not whip it out in stores, in fast-moving traffic, in restaurants**, in libraries, at the cinema, or other similarly inappropriate places. Whenever I finally get around a vehicle that is puttering down the road at a snail's pace, or braking erratically, or ignoring signals like stop signs and green lights - 9 times out of 10 the driver is on a cell phone. Do yourself and the rest of us a favor and pull over if you cannot handle the ohsodifficult task of competently navigating a multi-ton auto while conversing. Or better yet, tax your brain cells a bit further and take a second to ponder whether the call is truly important enough to make/take while you are behind the wheel. Chances are it isn't.

*the first of many ;-)
**it is acceptable to whip the cell out in a restaurant if you are expecting a buddy to do a pre-arranged "check-in" during a first date, as this call gives you an opportunity to make a graceful exit.