Jason's Jive November 2026

I thank God I am alive to write this column. On October 20, in South Dallas, a driver ran a red light and nearly t-boned my vehicle as I crossed an intersection near the State Fair grounds. A split-second decision to slam on my brakes likely prevented a serious multi-vehicle crash. The experience was a stark reminder that driving in Dallas can feel less like a commute and more like a daily survival test, especially in an era of reckless driving, distracted motorists, and cell phone-fueled inattention.

My close call is a reminder of a growing problem on roads across America: distracted driving. Whether caused by texting, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, adjusting a navigation system, or simply allowing your attention to wander, distracted driving continues to endanger motorists, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians every day.

The statistics are sobering. In Maryland alone, distracted driving contributes to nearly 48% of all motor vehicle collisions statewide. Although traffic fatalities dropped to a decade-low 480 in 2025, distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable crashes. On average, it is a factor in approximately 197 fatal crashes and more than 14,800 injury crashes every year. Behind every number is a family dealing with loss, injury, emotional trauma, or financial hardship that could have been avoided.

Distracted driving is defined as any activity that takes your eyes, hands, or mind away from the primary task of operating a vehicle safely. While many distractions exist, texting remains among the most dangerous. At 55 miles per hour, reading or sending a text message can take a driver's eyes off the road for about five seconds. Safety experts compare that lapse in attention to driving the entire length of a football field blindfolded. Most drivers would never intentionally close their eyes while traveling at highway speeds, yet many do the digital equivalent every day.

To combat this danger, Maryland law prohibits the handheld use of cell phones and electronic devices while driving. Because distracted driving is considered a primary offense, police officers can pull motorists over simply for holding or using a phone, even if no other traffic violation has occurred. The laws exist for a reason: too many lives have been disrupted or destroyed by preventable distractions behind the wheel.

Fortunately, avoiding distractions is entirely within a driver's control. Traffic safety advocates recommend placing phones in a glove compartment, back seat, purse, or trunk before beginning a trip. Drivers traveling with passengers can designate someone else to handle calls, texts, and navigation duties. Programming a GPS, adjusting mirrors, selecting music, and setting climate controls before shifting into drive can also eliminate distractions once the vehicle is moving.

If an important call, text, or email cannot wait, the safest option is simple: pull over in a safe location before responding. A delayed response may be inconvenient, but an accident can have consequences lasting a lifetime. No notification, social media update, or incoming message is more important than arriving safely.

For those who ignore the law, the penalties can be costly. Maryland drivers cited for distracted driving may face fines and points on their driving record, with even stiffer penalties when a distraction contributes to a crash. Drivers under 18 face particularly strict restrictions and can face license suspensions for violations. The legal penalties are designed not simply to punish bad behavior, but to discourage it before tragedy strikes.

The financial consequences often extend far beyond the initial ticket. Insurance companies view distracted driving as a sign of increased risk, and many drivers see their premiums rise substantially after receiving a citation. Nationally, distracted driving violations can increase insurance premiums by an average of 28% to 33%, adding hundreds of dollars to annual insurance costs. Some insurers impose increases approaching 50%, and those surcharges can follow a driver for three years or longer. A momentary lapse in judgment can ultimately cost thousands of dollars.

My near-miss in Dallas ended with nothing more than shaken nerves and a renewed appreciation for how quickly things can go wrong behind the wheel. Others are not always so fortunate. Every day, families receive phone calls that change their lives forever because someone chose to look at a screen instead of the road ahead.

As I drove away from that intersection, I kept thinking about how differently that evening could have ended. A few more feet. A second less reaction time. One wrong move by either driver. The outcome could have been tragic. That is the reality of distracted driving. It takes only a moment to cause a lifetime of regret. So the next time your phone buzzes while you're driving, let it wait. The message can wait. The call can wait. Your social media notification can wait. What cannot wait is your responsibility to the people sharing the road with you. Put the phone down, keep your eyes forward, and remember that getting home safely is the only notification that truly matters.

Was the driver in my case on his phone? I have no idea. Was he distracted as he approached the intersection, I have no idea.  Suppose I had been distracted as I moved my vehicle? Food for thought.