driving while driving

I know that a long time ago (relatively speaking), I posted an entry that spoke about people doing things while they were driving that distracted them and endangered others.

This past week, as I was waiting at a light, getting ready to get on the highway, I saw that the driver of the car ahead of me was putting on mascara. If you read my previous post, you'll know that I am not sympathetic in any way with any one who does non driving activities while driving. Applying mascara is one of those activities. In this case, I was hopeful that the driver was only applying make up while stopped.

From the light (once it turned green) to the highway, I had to follow my make-up artist driving friend (the driver did not let driving get in the way of the make up mission). After we turned on to the highway, however, the driver was traveling slowly enough (and a little erratically, perHAPS due to the driver's secondary activity) that I was able to pass and continue on my way without further concern, until, about 10 minutes later, the driver came ripping by at a great rate of speed (by the way, still working on her make up).

I hope that this driver made it to her destination and that colleagues or students or friends appreciated the make up job. I also hope that I don't see this driver again on the road. I have a feeling that, while she is likely very skilled at both driving and applying mascara, at some point she may get distracted or have the brush poke the brush in her eye to the point where she causes a problem either for herself or for herself and drivers around her. Actually, I hope that a patrolman sees her while she applies the mascara and stops her.

Here are some things NOT to do while driving:
Do not:
apply make up, mascara, under arm deodorant
tie your tie, take off your tie, put on or take off a jacket
text, read texts you have received, e-mail or read e-mails you have received
read anything other than a street or highway sign
reach for anything that requires you to take your eye off the road

Instead, do all of those tasks before you get in or start your car. You'll be better off and so will everyone around you (including me).

Have a good one. KipK