Encourage other drivers to hang up

There is no time of the year when we are more family focused, beginning with Thanksgiving, followed by Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Many memories are shared during this season of celebration. In the past few weeks the Daily Herald has reminded drivers of the dangers inherent in distracted driving. Recently an editorial, “Time for serious talk,” summarized the problem, but, as is often said, there’s more.

It takes two to talk. Think about it — the person who answers the call shares in the responsibility to use a cellphone carefully. My cellphone is always in my purse, but I’ve never felt a need to place a call while driving. My cell is for use in case I need help in an emergency, but not for unfocused chitchat. Using it while driving, could cause an emergency.

My busy adult children often call while they are on the way to work or while they are shuttling their children to activities. If I prolong that call beyond the necessary exchange of pertinent information, I inadvertently share in the blame for distracting them as they drive.

We shared wonderful Christmas memories of our family’s past holidays as we lingered around the table. Stories long forgotten surfaced. I never want to remember that because I was “catching up” with their lives via a cellphone I was contributing an unnecessary distraction during their last drive. I’ve made my New Year’s resolution early.

Audrey T. Beauvais

Arlington Heights