After all we have written on the importance of proper nutrition, exercise, rest,
and relaxation for optimal well being, it will all be for naught if we are
injured or killed in an automobile accident. Yet that is one of the most common
causes of injury and death. What can we do to minimize the risk? We can minimize
distractions while driving.
Perhaps you noticed the recent op-eds taken out by ExxonMobil in the New York
Times, the Washington Post, and the National Journal. The company announced a
new rule banning its employees and contractors from using cellular phones while
driving on company time. Given that ExxonMobil employees and contractors drive
about 1.5 million miles per day, the new rule will have a big impact on both the
company and the driving public.
Why did they do this? Because after a thorough study of the available research,
including nine independent reports on cellular phone use safety, ExxonMobil
concluded that the use of a cell phone while driving "significantly degrades
driving performance and contributes to an increased risk of vehicular
incidents."
This applies to both hand-held and hands-free devices. The problem is not
holding something in our hand, its dividing our attention between driving and
something else. To that end, ExxonMobil now requires all incoming calls to be
answered by voice mail, which can be retrieved and responded to once employees
and contractors have parked in a safe and secure location.
If it's absolutely necessary for you to talk and drive, the American Automobile
Association recommends the following safety tips:
- Before you get behind the wheel, familiarize yourself with the features of
your cell phone.
- Ask a passenger in the car to place the call for you and, if possible, speak
in your place.
- Plan your conversation in advance and keep it short.
- Inform the person you're calling that you are speaking from the car.
- Hang up the phone as soon as possible, especially in heavy traffic and
hazardous weather conditions.
- Secure your phone in the car so that it doesn't become a projectile in a
crash.
Coaching Inquiries: Do you talk and drive? Do you do other things while you
drive? How could you become more mindful and less distracted while driving? What
value do you place on protecting your life and the lives of others?
 To reply to this Pathway, use our
Feedback Form. To learn more about our
Wellness Coaching programs and to arrange for a complimentary wellness coaching
session, use our Contact Form or
Email Bob.
May you be filled with goodness, peace, and joy.
Bob Tschannen-Moran
LifeTrek Coaching International
121 Will Scarlet Lane
Williamsburg, VA 23185-5043
U.S.A.
Telephone: 757-345-3452
Fax: 772-382-3258
Subscribe/Unsubscribe: (Click)
Correspondence: (Click)
Web: (Click)
Mobile: (Click)
» Top
» Go to Provision Archive
» Go to Wellness Pathway Archive
» Go to Creativity Pathway Archive
» Go to Career Pathway Archive
» Go to Leadership Pathway Archive
» Go to Resilience Pathway Archive
» Go to OD Pathway Archive
» Go to Parenting Pathway Archive
» Go to Webcast Intro
» Go to Webcam (Watch the Birds!)
» Reply to this Article
» Go to Coaching Chat Room
|
