News Taffy

It’s not often Arkansas ranks high in the nation in anything but unfortunately, we have the second highest car fatality rate in the nation as reported last week in the Jonesboro Sun. Worse, Jonesboro ranks second in the state for car crash fatalities.

That last statement doesn’t surprise me one bit. There is not a day when I am out driving around Jonesboro that I don’t see at least one example of dangerous driving. Just yesterday my 15 year old daughter was driving with me to the ASU Farmer’s Market. She stopped when the light for the left turn onto Stadium turned yellow and she realized she didn’t have enough time to get through the intersection safely. But not the car to our left who gunned it past us right through a red light. I see people run red lights every week and in addition to the cell phone stuck to everyone’s ear, people no longer seem to be able to stay in their own lane but drift way over into everyone else’s lane.

I’d like to remind every parent out there that the leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 24 is car crashes. In light of the fatal car crashes last week here in Jonesboro, which I believe claimed two lives, I am promoting a pledge for safe driving. I hope you will read the pledge, sign it and share it. Let’s start a discussion with our friends and family about safe driving. Let’s hold each other to a higher standard. Let’s put the focus back on driving, paying attention and being a courteous driver. It’s only a life we are talking about.

I pledge to obey the state traffic laws and review them from time to time.

I pledge to NEVER text and drive. I pledge to stop for traffic lights and train crossings.

I pledge to not drink and drive or drive while under the influence of any drugs, whether prescription or illegal drugs.

I pledge to be a courteous driver.

I pledge to stay carefully in my own lane and not drift into the other lane because I am taking curves too fast, or because I am distracted in some way.

I pledge to obey the speed limit, neither driving too fast nor too slow.

I pledge to use my turn signal every time I turn. I realize others can’t read my mind.

I pledge not to ride someone’s bumper if they are going too slowly.

I pledge to focus on driving, not fixing my hair or shaving, not eating my lunch, not trying to find a radio station, not looking in the back seat at the kids or pets as these are dangerous forms of distracted driving.

I pledge to not drive while tired or sleepy.

If you’d like to publicly sign this pledge, add your name to the comments section below. Please share this pledge with your friends and family. We can work together to make Jonesboro a safer place.

Until next week,

Lisa