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	<title>Topics Covered in My Talk Archives - Monica Zech</title>
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	<title>Topics Covered in My Talk Archives - Monica Zech</title>
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		<title>Texting While Driving</title>
		<link>https://monicazech.com/texting-while-driving/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Monica Zech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 15 Jul 2023 16:24:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Texting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texting and Driving]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Texting and driving is the biggest cause of distracted driving today, with almost a quarter of all drivers admitting to texting while behind the wheel. It’s a major risk factor for accidents, as well as fines and other repercussions on your license. Whether you’re an occasional texter or someone who relies heavily on their phone [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/texting-while-driving/">Texting While Driving</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Texting and driving is the biggest cause of distracted driving today, with almost a quarter of all drivers admitting to texting while behind the wheel. It’s a major risk factor for accidents, as well as fines and other repercussions on your license. Whether you’re an occasional texter or someone who relies heavily on their phone to stay in touch, it’s important to know just how dangerous this distraction can be and what you can do if you find yourself struggling to resist picking up your phone when driving. In this blog post, we’ll explore the dangers associated with texting and driving in depth so that you have all the information necessary to make informed decisions about using your phone behind the wheel.</p>
<h2>The dangers of texting and driving</h2>
<p>The perils of texting and driving are far-reaching and severe, with numerous corroborated facts and statistics highlighting the alarming consequences of this deadly distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019, of which an alarming proportion were specifically attributed to texting and driving. This seemingly innocuous act increases the risk of a crash by 23 times, as drivers typically divert their attention from the road for an average of 5 seconds while texting, which is more than enough time to cause a collision at high speeds. Moreover, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that engaging in visual and manual tasks, such as texting, doubles the risk of being involved in a crash or near-crash event. The gravity of this issue is further emphasized by the fact that young drivers aged 16 to 24 have the highest propensity to engage in texting and driving, thereby substantially increasing the likelihood of fatal accidents among inexperienced drivers. By understanding the sheer magnitude and repercussions of this dangerous practice, individuals can be more conscientious about their behavior on the road, significantly reducing the occurrence of avoidable accidents and promoting safer driving practices.<br />
What you can do to avoid the temptation of texting while driving</p>
<h2>How technology can help you keep your eyes on the road</h2>
<p>In recent years, technology has made significant advances in helping drivers keep their eyes on the road and avoid the temptation of texting and driving. One such innovation is the development of hands-free systems, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which integrate smartphones with vehicle infotainment systems, allowing drivers to access calls, messages, and other essential phone features through voice commands, keeping their hands where they belong &#8211; on the steering wheel. Additionally, major smartphone manufacturers have implemented &#8220;Do Not Disturb While Driving&#8221; features that automatically detect when you&#8217;re in motion and limit notifications, reducing distractions and the urge to check your device. Applications like DriveSafe.ly, LifeSaver, and SafeDrive reward users for safe driving by employing a points system to incentivize drivers to resist using their phones while on the road. In 2018, research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety demonstrated that voice-activated technology reduced visual and manual distractions, thus improving driver safety. Investing in technological tools that promote responsible driving is not only a wise decision for individual drivers but also a collective effort that contributes to the reduction of accidents and overall road safety.<br />
Tips for setting up a safe driving routine</p>
<h2>The importance of staying aware of your surroundings while driving</h2>
<p>The paramount importance of staying aware of your surroundings while driving cannot be overstated, as the well-being of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike relies on constant vigilance and focused attention. Studies have shown that a driver&#8217;s field of vision narrows significantly when engaged in secondary tasks like texting, leading to &#8220;inattention blindness.&#8221; This phenomenon renders the driver oblivious to approximately 50% of his or her surroundings, thus increasing the likelihood of a collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2019 alone, 3,142 lives were lost due to distracted driving, with texting being a significant contributing factor. Additionally, research indicates that drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash event compared to those who do not. An undistracted driver&#8217;s reaction time is already limited, with only a 1.5-second window to respond to abrupt changes in traffic conditions. Texting while driving drastically diminishes this crucial reaction time, leaving insufficient room to take preventative measures. Consequently, cultivating a keen awareness of one&#8217;s surroundings and resisting digital distractions is imperative for not only safeguarding against potential accidents, but also ensuring the overall safety and well-being of all who share the road.</p>
<h2>What to do if you are pulled over for texting and driving</h2>
<p>If you find yourself being pulled over for texting and driving, it is crucial to remain calm and follow the proper procedures. Firstly, acknowledge the officer by activating your turn signal and safely maneuver your vehicle to the side of the road. Ensure that you park far enough off the road to provide the officer with adequate space to approach your window. Turn off your engine, roll down your window, and place your hands on the steering wheel where the officer can see them. Be prepared to provide your driver&#8217;s license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked. It is essential to be respectful and honest with the officer, but remember that you have the right to remain silent if you feel that admitting to texting and driving could incriminate you. Keep in mind that fines for texting and driving can be hefty, often ranging from $100 to $400 for first-time offenders depending on the jurisdiction. Furthermore, some states may also assess points on your license, leading to higher insurance premiums and potential license suspension for repeat offenders. Consider using this experience as a wake-up call to prioritize road safety and reevaluate your habits behind the wheel. Investing in hands-free technology or adopting a firm policy of not touching your phone while driving can help ensure that you avoid future penalties and, most importantly, minimize the risk of catastrophic accidents caused by distracted driving.</p>
<p>In conclusion, texting and driving is the biggest source of distracted driving today, with the risk of an accident rising significantly when a driver takes their attention off the road. The corresponding fines and other penalties mean that it’s important to stay off your phone while behind the wheel. Thankfully, there are many ways you can reduce your risk of becoming distracted by your phone, from placing it out of reach to setting alerts for yourself that remind you to keep your eyes on the road ahead. Doing this will not only increase safety for everyone but also help prevent costly fines and points on your license. If you want more tips on how to minimize the risk of texting and driving and other dangers associated with distracted driving, sign up for my “Stay Alert Stay Alive” presentation – it’s full of helpful advice. Remember to stay alert whenever you get behind the wheel; keeping yourself safe is always a priority.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/texting-while-driving/">Texting While Driving</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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		<title>Review: My Review of the Bark App 2023</title>
		<link>https://monicazech.com/review-my-review-of-the-bark-app-2023/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Monica Zech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 2023 16:17:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Texting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bark app]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://smartmag.theme-sphere.com/tech-1/review-post-points/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>As a mother, I understand how crucial it is to feel at ease when it comes to your children using social media and browsing the internet, therefore I chose to collaborate with and write a review about the Bark app, the most popular parental control program in the world. If you&#8217;re a parent, you might [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/review-my-review-of-the-bark-app-2023/">Review: My Review of the Bark App 2023</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As a mother, I understand how crucial it is to feel at ease when it comes to your children using social media and browsing the internet, therefore I chose to collaborate with and write a review about the Bark app, the most popular parental control program in the world. If you&#8217;re a parent, you might be wondering if Bark is effective at keeping kids safe. Indeed, in a nutshell, but let&#8217;s explore why and how it&#8217;s been beneficial for our family.</p>
<p>Let me ask you where you are in your effort to protect your child online first to save you some time. Continue reading to see why the Bark app is a fantastic choice if you&#8217;re just searching for a parental control software for a phone your child already owns. To ensure that Bark Premium is a good fit before you commit, I&#8217;ve included a discount below that allows you to try it out for free.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, if you haven&#8217;t yet purchased a phone for your child and are unsure of which model is best and safest for them, have a look at the brand-new Bark Phone.<br />Learn more about this phone and why it is everything you have ever desired in a child&#8217;s phone.</p>
<ul>
<li>Bark how does it work?</li>
<li>NEW Bark Phone!</li>
<li>Why we chose the Bark app.</li>
<li>Benefits of using a parental control app like Bark.</li>
<li>Reasons kids need a parental control app.</li>
<li>What if my child doesn’t like Bark?</li>
<li>Why Bark helps build trust between you and your child.</li>
<li>What is Bark Home?</li>
<li>Monitoring features of Bark.</li>
<li>Is the Bark app worth it?</li>
</ul>
<h2>My unvarnished opinion of the Bark parental control app.</h2>
<p><br />In this blog, we go over the various ways parents can foster a cognitively and emotionally healthy environment for their children.  <br /><br />In light of this, monitoring what your child is consuming in their brains, particularly when it comes to social media and internet activity, is one of the most tender and loving things you can do for their mental health.  In our contemporary culture, parents should make it a goal to guide their children toward a positive relationship with technology.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 14px; color: var(--c-contrast-800);">Really, I&#8217;ve never understood why parents would let their children use screens unrestrictedly. It&#8217;s time we included this responsibility under our parental responsibilities given all the potential risks out there, even with online gaming, such as cyberbullying, predators, and access to age-inappropriate content (and let&#8217;s face it, curiosity is INGRAINED in every child, so don&#8217;t think yours won&#8217;t go looking).<br /></span></p>
<p>The same should apply to internet use, just as you wouldn&#8217;t permit your child to drive without a seat belt.<br />Check out this information to learn more about the mental health problems caused by children&#8217;s use of technology.</p>
<h2>Bark: How Does It Work?</h2>
<p>Bark is a parental control tool that protects your children from harm by monitoring their phones using cutting-edge machine learning and statistical analysis methods. It&#8217;s a priceless parenting tool that enables you to keep an eye on your child&#8217;s smartphone or other electronic device using technology developed in association with renowned authorities on child development, safety, and education.<br /><br />With the top Bark features being content monitoring, screen time limits and management, and site filtering, parents can have complete control and feel secure knowing that everything is taken care of while having this parental control program downloaded to their child&#8217;s smartphone.</p>
<p>They are continuously told how inadequate, dull, and defective they are due to x, y, and z through social media platforms (such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Facebook) or communication applications (such as Whatsapp, anonymous messaging platforms, Lypsi, Tellonym, etc.). By receiving more likes or comments, they start to build their value on these numbers, which might also start to define them.<br /><br />Kids may easily fix the flaws that cyberbullies point out, such as making their skin clearer, waist smaller, and teeth brighter, with the touch of a mouse.<br /><br />Children already experience a lot of peer pressure at school, including pressure from their parents and teachers, to perform well academically and athletically, to dress well and to say the right things.</p>
<p>Additionally, since nobody is watching over them or holding them accountable, predators are focusing on your kids, which leaves them vulnerable to exploitation.</p>
<p>Young people&#8217;s drug use and the ease with which they can get narcotics on social media have grown into major issues. Parents should be aware of these concerns, according to child psychologists.<br />Short version: No of your child&#8217;s age, gender, or preferred social media platform, unrestricted and excessive screen time is unhealthy for them.<br /><br />The issue is that. an issue that the Bark app can fix. </p>
<h2>Why using the Bark app and having accountability is a good idea?</h2>
<p>Accountability has a terrible reputation in today&#8217;s culture.  Sometimes, we mistakenly believe that being free means never having to face consequences. The lack of accountability on the part of adults contributes to the issue.<br /><br />There&#8217;s a belief that, after a certain age is reached, we should be free to do whatever we want, whenever we want.<br />But as most of us are aware, this is neither healthy nor advantageous.<br /><br />Children are comparable in this regard. Also, the greatest method to instill a sense of accountability in your children is to serve as an example for them by setting up web filtering as early as possible using an app like Bark.</p>
<p><em><strong>All of our iOS devices at home are protected by Bark&#8217;s &#8220;parental control&#8221; features.</strong></em><br /><br />Every gadget in our home has web filtering because even adults are susceptible to seeing, hearing, or engaging in exchanges on social media or the internet that aren&#8217;t edifying in real life.<br /><br />Also, the fact that we ourselves use parental control software like the Bark app makes it simpler for our kids to accept its use. By doing this, we encourage a climate of accountability for the entire family instead of singling them out as unreliable.<br /><br />It&#8217;s crucial to instill a sense of accountability in your children so that you may work through their errors WITH them rather than simply passing judgment once they&#8217;ve been exposed.</p>
<p>We keep talking to our son about responsibility and restraint so that he will be prepared to handle peer pressure and the temptation to do something wrong. Setting up accountability in your family from a young age will definitely benefit your children as they get older.<br /><br />But, this is the crucial portion. Sometimes, parents mix up responsibility and control.<br />A genuine talk with our children about the error they committed is the first step towards being impactful WITHOUT being critical or making them feel inadequate.</p>
<p>The advantages of having Bark responsibility in your family are listed below:</p>
<ul>
<li>Establishing mental and emotional health within the family promotes:</li>
<li>Instills responsibility;</li>
<li>Removes all room for shame or hiding your guilt;</li>
<li>Encourages self-control, not out of fear but out of responsibility;</li>
<li>Builds trust with those around you;</li>
<li>Protects you from harmful experiences</li>
</ul>

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<h2>Why are there so many unfavorable ratings of Bark parental control on the app store?</h2>
<p>I read a lot of bad reviews after installing the Bark Kids app on my son&#8217;s iPad and questioned whether I had chosen the best parental control option.<br /><br />As it turns out, practically ALL of the negative evaluations were written by children who felt that their privacy and liberties were being invaded.  <br /><br />Kids will never fully comprehend why accountability matters, especially with the lure of apps like TikTok and Instagram feeding their desire for independence. We must be truthful in our explanations to them that although we want what&#8217;s best for them &#8211; trust built through mutual respect can only come from holding ourselves accountable! With the Bark app monitoring kid’s activity, parents are obligated more than ever to discuss this seriously; ensuring a secure environment where their children can flourish safely.</p>
<p>The need to build trust with your child is crucial, and Bark can help achieve it. Letting them know that the app was installed beforehand not only prevents a loss of their faith in you as a parent but also keeps them safe from potential predators lurking online or any other undesired content they could come across. Be upfront and honest &#8211; this might be hard for your teenager now, yet I&#8217;m sure one day they&#8217;ll thank you!</p>
<p>As a parent, it can be tough to find the balance between protecting your kids from potential online dangers and giving them enough freedom. It is important for us as parents to take the time to understand what our children are exposed to today &#8211; rather than being naive about technology &#8211; in order to achieve that equilibrium. The most critical aspect of parenting remains developing an emotional connection with your child; this should always be prioritized above all else! Doing so not only builds trust but lays down the foundations for more meaningful conversations when addressing those ever-challenging issues like internet use later on.</p>
<p>Kids will inevitably come across content that is not suitable for their age, so being able to equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary to handle these occurrences head-on is essential! By utilizing platforms such as Bark, we can prepare our youngsters for the realities of today&#8217;s world instead of an idealistic version.</p>
<p>Parents, trust is a crucial factor for your children&#8217;s well-being. Too many boundaries can cause them to become untrustworthy &#8211; however, the Bark app and phone offer an incredible solution! With custom sensitivity settings based on individual family needs, you benefit from increased transparency that comes with safety and build mutual trust in no time!</p>
<p>Being a parent will be simpler thanks to Bark.<br /><br />Bark monitors online and in-app activities, so you&#8217;re not just restricting them from everything, unlike other parental control applications. Using Bark, you can make sure they aren&#8217;t seeing or doing anything they shouldn&#8217;t be instead of telling them they can&#8217;t have a social network account. The opportunity to have meaningful and significant dialogues with your children is made possible by the fact that you will be promptly informed if they have.<br /><br />Embrace the power of accountability and keep your kids safe with Bark&#8217;s revolutionary kid&#8217;s phone! With premiums already installed, an unlimited data plan for only $49 a month, as well as features that limit screen time &#8211; no more need to yell &#8220;Time’s up&#8221; every five minutes. Get this amazing device today and equip your children with protection from online threats. Stop waiting — upgrade their safety now!<br /><br />Does the Bark app keep track of laptops and computers?<br /><br />Because he spends a lot of time online learning, watching YouTube Kids, and doing homeschool research, our kid needs a computer. Yet, because the Bark program only keeps an eye on the Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browsers, his laptop is secured by Covenant Eyes.<br /><br />Check out Bark Home if you&#8217;re seeking for more thorough online screening. It filters the web through a device linked to your router rather than keeping an eye on a single device (essential for when your kids leave the house with their smartphone or laptop). Having said that, it will only keep an eye on your home internet-connected devices.</p>
<h2>What is Bark Home?</h2>
<p>Are you looking for an easy and effective way to monitor your family&#8217;s online activities? Look no further than Bark Home! This revolutionary product provides cutting-edge technology that can manage all devices connected to the internet in a single household. Don&#8217;t miss out on perfect peace of mind &#8211; get yours now at $79 only from Amazon, including software installation. With its complete coverage, even Smart TVs or gaming consoles won&#8217;t be left unregulated – giving parents complete control over their kids’ web browsing experience with just one click away! Learn more about how it works today before making any decisions right here.</p>
<p>With this link, you may try it out for a month at no cost and see why I chose the Bark app over other parental control applications.<br /><br />I looked for a parental control app that would be the simplest for me to use (I&#8217;m not very tech-savvy), be the most innovative, and cover EVERYTHING — Mac or PC, Android or iOS smartphones and tablets, social media apps, the internet, cyberbullying, images, text messages, and email — and I discovered that Bark could hold its own.</p>
<p>What is the Bark app, and what are its monitoring features?</p>
<p><strong>Bark Jr</strong> &#8211; Concerned about your child&#8217;s safety online? Bark is ready to assist! It actively notifies parents to potential problems like cyberbullying, sexting threats, or depression symptoms by employing sophisticated algorithms. You may be sure that no threat will go unreported because to its coverage, which includes text messaging, YouTube email, &amp; social media platforms/apps 4x more than any other software. Also, they provide check-ins so you can always know where they are, as well as the option for users to control their children&#8217;s internet access using Bark Jr.</p>
<p><strong>Barkomatic &#8211;</strong> Take control of the technology your kids access now! The Barkomatic is revolutionizing how parents protect their children online by providing a comprehensive, FREE guide to parental controls for every device and app. No more spending hours searching for instruction manuals &#8211; ensure your child&#8217;s safety in one convenient location with just a few clicks. Time is running out: begin safeguarding those you love today with the help of this revolutionary resource!  With Barkomatic, you’ll receive an email with a personalized link for only the information you need whenever you want to access it.</p>
<h2>So is it worth the time and money?</h2>
<p>Have you ever wondered if the Bark App was worth it? It absolutely is! Regardless of whether your children have smartphones, tablets or other devices connected to the internet, trust in knowing that family-friendly protection comes along with this essential parenting tool. Predators and cyberbullies won&#8217;t find a way around &#8211; parents can now take control over their kids’ devices like never before. With all these benefits for such an affordable price tag, why wouldn’t every parent make sure their child has top-notch security at all times? Get started today so you can safely rest easy from afar – don&#8217;t wait any longer; invest in protecting your little one&#8217;s online world right away!</p>
<p>Protecting our children from the dangers of cyberbullying, predators and more is a must for all parents. Now, with Bark App &#8211; you can do just that! This powerful tool not only provides you peace of mind but also makes sure your kids don’t experience anything beyond their maturity level on their digital devices. So why wait any longer? Get equipped now to ensure every inch of security for your treasured little ones!</p>
<p>You can obtain a smartphone that resembles any other Samsung phone, a no-contract phone plan, Bark Premium pre-installed on the phone, and the assurance that your child is completely safe from online threats for $49 per month. The most amazing aspect is that, depending on your preferences, you may either allow younger children to use apps and the internet for free or allow them to get ANY app as they get older. This phone really does grow Alongside your child.<br /><br /><em><strong>This post has been sponsored. I only endorse goods that I have personally used and adored.</strong></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/review-my-review-of-the-bark-app-2023/">Review: My Review of the Bark App 2023</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Dangers of Distracted Driving: How to Stay Focused on the Road</title>
		<link>https://monicazech.com/the-dangers-of-distracted-driving/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Monica Zech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:46:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Safety Info]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topics Covered in My Talk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cell phone]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://smartmag.theme-sphere.com/tech-1/autonomous-driving-startup-attracts-chinese-state-investor/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Distracted driving Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents, and texting while driving is especially dangerous. Fortunately, there are a number of settings on your phone that you can adjust in order to avoid distracted driving. The first setting to consider is the Do Not Disturb While Driving mode. This setting [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/the-dangers-of-distracted-driving/">The Dangers of Distracted Driving: How to Stay Focused on the Road</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-432-0">Text</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-433-0">ing</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-434-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-435-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-436-0"> is</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-437-0"> one</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-438-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-439-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-440-0"> most</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-441-0"> dangerous</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-442-0"> activities</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-443-0"> a</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-444-0"> person</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-445-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-446-0"> do</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-447-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-448-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-449-0"> road</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-450-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-451-0"> Recent</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-452-0"> studies</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-453-0"> have</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-454-0"> found</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-455-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-456-0"> texting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-457-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-458-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-459-0"> is</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-460-0"> more</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-461-0"> dangerous</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-462-0"> than</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-463-0"> drunk</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-464-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-465-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-466-0"> as</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-467-0"> it</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-468-0"> increases</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-469-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-470-0"> risk</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-471-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-472-0"> an</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-473-0"> accident</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-474-0"> by</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-475-0"> up</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-476-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-477-0"> 23</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-478-0"> times</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-479-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-480-0"> The</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-481-0"> consequences</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-482-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-483-0"> texting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-484-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-485-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-486-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-487-0"> be</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-488-0"> devastating</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-489-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-490-0"> resulting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-491-0"> in</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-492-0"> serious</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-493-0"> injuries</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-494-0"> or</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-495-0"> even</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-496-0"> death</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-497-0">.</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-500-0">It</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-501-0">’</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-502-0">s</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-503-0"> important</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-504-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-505-0"> understand</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-506-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-507-0"> risks</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-508-0"> associated</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-509-0"> with</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-510-0"> texting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-511-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-512-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-513-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-514-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-515-0"> take</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-516-0"> steps</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-517-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-518-0"> make</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-519-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-520-0"> safer</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-521-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-522-0"> Fortunately</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-523-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-524-0"> there</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-525-0"> are</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-526-0"> a</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-527-0"> number</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-528-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-529-0"> practical</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-530-0"> technologies</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-531-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-532-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-533-0"> help</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-534-0"> reduce</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-535-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-536-0"> risk</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-537-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-538-0"> an</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-539-0"> accident</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-540-0"> while</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-541-0"> behind</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-542-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-543-0"> wheel</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-544-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-545-0"> Here</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-546-0"> are</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-547-0"> four</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-548-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-549-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-550-0"> most</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-551-0"> effective</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-552-0">:</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-555-0">1</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-556-0">.</span><strong> Hands-free devices:</strong><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-562-0"> Hands</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-563-0">&#8211;</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-564-0">free</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-565-0"> devices</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-566-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-567-0"> such</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-568-0"> as</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-569-0"> Bluetooth</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-570-0"> headsets</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-571-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-572-0"> voice</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-573-0">&#8211;</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-574-0">activated</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-575-0"> phone</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-576-0"> apps</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-577-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-578-0"> allow</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-579-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-580-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-581-0"> keep</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-582-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-583-0"> hands</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-584-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-585-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-586-0"> wheel</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-587-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-588-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-589-0"> eyes</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-590-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-591-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-592-0"> road</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-593-0"> while</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-594-0"> using</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-595-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-596-0"> phone</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-597-0">.</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-600-0">2</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-601-0">.</span><strong> Cell phone blockers:</strong><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-606-0"> Cell</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-607-0"> phone</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-608-0"> blockers</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-609-0"> are</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-610-0"> devices</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-611-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-612-0"> block</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-613-0"> signals</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-614-0"> from</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-615-0"> cellular</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-616-0"> service</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-617-0"> providers</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-618-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-619-0"> preventing</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-620-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-621-0"> from</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-622-0"> receiving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-623-0"> calls</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-624-0"> or</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-625-0"> messages</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-626-0"> while</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-627-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-628-0">.</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-631-0">3</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-632-0">.</span><strong> Driving assistance systems:</strong><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-637-0"> Many</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-638-0"> newer</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-639-0"> cars</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-640-0"> are</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-641-0"> equipped</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-642-0"> with</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-643-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-644-0"> assistance</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-645-0"> systems</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-646-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-647-0"> are</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-648-0"> designed</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-649-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-650-0"> detect</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-651-0"> signs</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-652-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-653-0"> distraction</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-654-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-655-0"> such</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-656-0"> as</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-657-0"> drifting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-658-0"> out</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-659-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-660-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-661-0"> lane</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-662-0"> or</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-663-0"> sudden</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-664-0"> braking</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-665-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-666-0"> The</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-667-0"> systems</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-668-0"> will</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-669-0"> then</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-670-0"> alert</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-671-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-672-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-673-0"> take</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-674-0"> corrective</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-675-0"> action</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-676-0">.</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-679-0">4</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-680-0">.</span><strong> Text-blocking &#8211; Auto Reply Text Messages</strong></p>



<h4><strong>Auto Reply &#8211; &#8220;I am Driving And I Can Not Reply&#8221;</strong></h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-823-0">Another</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-824-0"> setting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-825-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-826-0"> consider</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-827-0"> is</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-828-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-829-0"> auto</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-830-0">&#8211;</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-831-0">reply</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-832-0"> feature</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-833-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-834-0"> This</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-835-0"> feature</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-836-0"> sends</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-837-0"> an</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-838-0"> automatic</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-839-0"> response</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-840-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-841-0"> incoming</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-842-0"> calls</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-843-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-844-0"> messages</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-845-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-846-0"> letting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-847-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-848-0"> contacts</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-849-0"> know</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-850-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-851-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-852-0">&#8216;re</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-853-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-854-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-855-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-856-0">&#8216;t</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-857-0"> respond</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-858-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-859-0"> It</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-860-0">&#8216;s</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-861-0"> a</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-862-0"> great</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-863-0"> way</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-864-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-865-0"> let</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-866-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-867-0"> contacts</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-868-0"> know</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-869-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-870-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-871-0">&#8216;re</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-872-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-873-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-874-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-875-0">&#8216;t</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-876-0"> respond</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-877-0">.</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-880-0">Finally</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-881-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-882-0"> it</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-883-0">&#8216;s</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-884-0"> important</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-885-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-886-0"> disable</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-887-0"> notifications</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-888-0"> for</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-889-0"> social</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-890-0"> media</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-891-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-892-0"> email</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-893-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-894-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-895-0"> other</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-896-0"> apps</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-897-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-898-0"> Not</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-899-0">ifications</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-900-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-901-0"> be</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-902-0"> a</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-903-0"> major</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-904-0"> distraction</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-905-0"> while</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-906-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-907-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-908-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-909-0"> disabling</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-910-0"> them</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-911-0"> will</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-912-0"> help</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-913-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-914-0"> stay</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-915-0"> focused</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-916-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-917-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-918-0"> road</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-919-0">.</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-922-0">By</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-923-0"> adjusting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-924-0"> these</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-925-0"> settings</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-926-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-927-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-928-0"> phone</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-929-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-930-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-931-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-932-0"> help</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-933-0"> ensure</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-934-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-935-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-936-0"> stay</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-937-0"> focused</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-938-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-939-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-940-0"> road</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-941-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-942-0"> avoid</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-943-0"> distracted</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-944-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-945-0">.</span></p>
<p>It can wait.  Be sure to Stay Alert And Stay Alive. </p>
<!-- /wp:columns --><!-- wp:post-content --><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<h2><strong>Distracted driving</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Distracted driving</strong><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-708-0"> is</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-709-0"> one</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-710-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-711-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-712-0"> leading</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-713-0"> causes</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-714-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-715-0"> car</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-716-0"> accidents</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-717-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-718-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-719-0"> texting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-720-0"> while</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-721-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-722-0"> is</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-723-0"> especially</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-724-0"> dangerous</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-725-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-726-0"> Fortunately</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-727-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-728-0"> there</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-729-0"> are</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-730-0"> a</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-731-0"> number</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-732-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-733-0"> settings</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-734-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-735-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-736-0"> phone</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-737-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-738-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-739-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-740-0"> adjust</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-741-0"> in</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-742-0"> order</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-743-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-744-0"> avoid</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-745-0"> distracted</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-746-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-747-0">.</span> <br /><br /><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-750-0">The</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-751-0"> first</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-752-0"> setting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-753-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-754-0"> consider</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-755-0"> is</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-756-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-757-0"> Do</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-758-0"> Not</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-759-0"> Dist</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-760-0">urb</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-761-0"> While</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-762-0"> Driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-763-0"> mode</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-764-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-765-0"> This</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-766-0"> setting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-767-0"> sil</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-768-0">ences</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-769-0"> incoming</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-770-0"> calls</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-771-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-772-0"> messages</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-773-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-774-0"> so</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-775-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-776-0"> won</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-777-0">&#8216;t</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-778-0"> be</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-779-0"> distracted</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-780-0"> by</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-781-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-782-0"> phone</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-783-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-784-0"> It</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-785-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-786-0"> be</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-787-0"> activated</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-788-0"> manually</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-789-0"> or</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-790-0"> automatically</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-791-0"> when</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-792-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-793-0"> phone</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-794-0"> detects</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-795-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-796-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-797-0">&#8216;re</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-798-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-799-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-800-0"> This</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-801-0"> is</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-802-0"> a</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-803-0"> great</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-804-0"> way</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-805-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-806-0"> ensure</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-807-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-808-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-809-0"> phone</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-810-0"> won</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-811-0">&#8216;t</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-812-0"> distract</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-813-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-814-0"> while</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-815-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-816-0">&#8216;re</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-817-0"> behind</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-818-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-819-0"> wheel</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-820-0">.</span></p>
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<h2>Settings That You Can Change On Your Phone Right Now</h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4072 size-medium" src="https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Silence-Unknown-Callers-Steps-scaled-1-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195" /></figure>
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<h3><strong>Let it go to voice mail</strong></h3>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column -->
<div class="wp-block-column"><!-- wp:list --></div>
</div>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-432-0">Text</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-433-0">ing</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-434-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-435-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-436-0"> is</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-437-0"> one</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-438-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-439-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-440-0"> most</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-441-0"> dangerous</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-442-0"> activities</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-443-0"> a</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-444-0"> person</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-445-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-446-0"> do</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-447-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-448-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-449-0"> road</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-450-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-451-0"> Recent</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-452-0"> studies</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-453-0"> have</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-454-0"> found</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-455-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-456-0"> texting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-457-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-458-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-459-0"> is</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-460-0"> more</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-461-0"> dangerous</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-462-0"> than</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-463-0"> drunk</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-464-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-465-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-466-0"> as</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-467-0"> it</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-468-0"> increases</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-469-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-470-0"> risk</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-471-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-472-0"> an</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-473-0"> accident</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-474-0"> by</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-475-0"> up</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-476-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-477-0"> 23</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-478-0"> times</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-479-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-480-0"> The</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-481-0"> consequences</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-482-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-483-0"> texting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-484-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-485-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-486-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-487-0"> be</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-488-0"> devastating</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-489-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-490-0"> resulting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-491-0"> in</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-492-0"> serious</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-493-0"> injuries</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-494-0"> or</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-495-0"> even</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-496-0"> death</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-497-0">.</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-500-0">It</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-501-0">’</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-502-0">s</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-503-0"> important</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-504-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-505-0"> understand</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-506-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-507-0"> risks</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-508-0"> associated</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-509-0"> with</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-510-0"> texting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-511-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-512-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-513-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-514-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-515-0"> take</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-516-0"> steps</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-517-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-518-0"> make</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-519-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-520-0"> safer</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-521-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-522-0"> Fortunately</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-523-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-524-0"> there</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-525-0"> are</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-526-0"> a</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-527-0"> number</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-528-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-529-0"> practical</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-530-0"> technologies</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-531-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-532-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-533-0"> help</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-534-0"> reduce</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-535-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-536-0"> risk</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-537-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-538-0"> an</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-539-0"> accident</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-540-0"> while</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-541-0"> behind</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-542-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-543-0"> wheel</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-544-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-545-0"> Here</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-546-0"> are</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-547-0"> four</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-548-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-549-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-550-0"> most</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-551-0"> effective</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-552-0">:</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-555-0">1</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-556-0">.</span><strong> Hands-free devices:</strong><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-562-0"> Hands</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-563-0">&#8211;</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-564-0">free</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-565-0"> devices</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-566-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-567-0"> such</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-568-0"> as</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-569-0"> Bluetooth</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-570-0"> headsets</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-571-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-572-0"> voice</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-573-0">&#8211;</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-574-0">activated</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-575-0"> phone</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-576-0"> apps</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-577-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-578-0"> allow</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-579-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-580-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-581-0"> keep</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-582-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-583-0"> hands</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-584-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-585-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-586-0"> wheel</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-587-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-588-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-589-0"> eyes</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-590-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-591-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-592-0"> road</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-593-0"> while</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-594-0"> using</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-595-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-596-0"> phone</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-597-0">.</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-600-0">2</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-601-0">.</span><strong> Cell phone blockers:</strong><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-606-0"> Cell</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-607-0"> phone</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-608-0"> blockers</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-609-0"> are</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-610-0"> devices</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-611-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-612-0"> block</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-613-0"> signals</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-614-0"> from</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-615-0"> cellular</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-616-0"> service</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-617-0"> providers</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-618-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-619-0"> preventing</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-620-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-621-0"> from</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-622-0"> receiving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-623-0"> calls</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-624-0"> or</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-625-0"> messages</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-626-0"> while</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-627-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-628-0">.</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-631-0">3</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-632-0">.</span><strong> Driving assistance systems:</strong><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-637-0"> Many</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-638-0"> newer</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-639-0"> cars</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-640-0"> are</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-641-0"> equipped</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-642-0"> with</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-643-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-644-0"> assistance</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-645-0"> systems</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-646-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-647-0"> are</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-648-0"> designed</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-649-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-650-0"> detect</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-651-0"> signs</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-652-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-653-0"> distraction</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-654-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-655-0"> such</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-656-0"> as</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-657-0"> drifting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-658-0"> out</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-659-0"> of</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-660-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-661-0"> lane</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-662-0"> or</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-663-0"> sudden</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-664-0"> braking</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-665-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-666-0"> The</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-667-0"> systems</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-668-0"> will</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-669-0"> then</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-670-0"> alert</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-671-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-672-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-673-0"> take</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-674-0"> corrective</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-675-0"> action</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-676-0">.</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-679-0">4</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-680-0">.</span><strong> Text-blocking &#8211; Auto Reply Text Messages</strong></p>
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<h4><strong>Auto Reply &#8211; &#8220;I am Driving And I Can Not Reply&#8221;</strong></h4>
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<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-823-0">Another</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-824-0"> setting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-825-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-826-0"> consider</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-827-0"> is</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-828-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-829-0"> auto</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-830-0">&#8211;</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-831-0">reply</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-832-0"> feature</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-833-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-834-0"> This</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-835-0"> feature</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-836-0"> sends</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-837-0"> an</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-838-0"> automatic</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-839-0"> response</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-840-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-841-0"> incoming</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-842-0"> calls</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-843-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-844-0"> messages</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-845-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-846-0"> letting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-847-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-848-0"> contacts</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-849-0"> know</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-850-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-851-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-852-0">&#8216;re</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-853-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-854-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-855-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-856-0">&#8216;t</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-857-0"> respond</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-858-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-859-0"> It</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-860-0">&#8216;s</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-861-0"> a</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-862-0"> great</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-863-0"> way</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-864-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-865-0"> let</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-866-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-867-0"> contacts</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-868-0"> know</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-869-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-870-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-871-0">&#8216;re</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-872-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-873-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-874-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-875-0">&#8216;t</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-876-0"> respond</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-877-0">.</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-880-0">Finally</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-881-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-882-0"> it</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-883-0">&#8216;s</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-884-0"> important</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-885-0"> to</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-886-0"> disable</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-887-0"> notifications</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-888-0"> for</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-889-0"> social</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-890-0"> media</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-891-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-892-0"> email</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-893-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-894-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-895-0"> other</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-896-0"> apps</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-897-0">.</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-898-0"> Not</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-899-0">ifications</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-900-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-901-0"> be</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-902-0"> a</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-903-0"> major</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-904-0"> distraction</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-905-0"> while</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-906-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-907-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-908-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-909-0"> disabling</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-910-0"> them</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-911-0"> will</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-912-0"> help</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-913-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-914-0"> stay</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-915-0"> focused</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-916-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-917-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-918-0"> road</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-919-0">.</span></p>
<p><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-922-0">By</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-923-0"> adjusting</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-924-0"> these</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-925-0"> settings</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-926-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-927-0"> your</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-928-0"> phone</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-929-0">,</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-930-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-931-0"> can</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-932-0"> help</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-933-0"> ensure</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-934-0"> that</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-935-0"> you</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-936-0"> stay</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-937-0"> focused</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-938-0"> on</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-939-0"> the</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-940-0"> road</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-941-0"> and</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-942-0"> avoid</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-943-0"> distracted</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-944-0"> driving</span><span data-offset-key="9ofl7-945-0">.</span></p>
<p>It can wait.  Be sure to Stay Alert And Stay Alive. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- /wp:post-content --><p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/the-dangers-of-distracted-driving/">The Dangers of Distracted Driving: How to Stay Focused on the Road</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Dangers Of Drinking And Driving</title>
		<link>https://monicazech.com/razer-x-with-16-programmable-buttons-launched-at-mmo-gamers/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Monica Zech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2022 16:23:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Alcohol Effects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drinking and Driving]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://smartmag.theme-sphere.com/tech-1/razer-x-with-16-programmable-buttons-launched-at-mmo-gamers/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Drinking alcohol and driving is an incredibly dangerous combination – one that can have long-lasting, life-altering consequences for both you and the people around you. Unfortunately, in spite of all the public campaigns warning against it and its subsequent legal penalties, many people still get behind the wheel after having had a drink or two [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/razer-x-with-16-programmable-buttons-launched-at-mmo-gamers/">The Dangers Of Drinking And Driving</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Drinking alcohol and driving is an incredibly dangerous combination – one that can have long-lasting, life-altering consequences for both you and the people around you. Unfortunately, in spite of all the public campaigns warning against it and its subsequent legal penalties, many people still get behind the wheel after having had a drink or two believing they&#8217;ll be able to do so safely. But drinking impairs motor skills as well as judgment; even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below what is considered legally inebriated, there&#8217;s a significant risk involved with operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. In this blog post we’ll explore why it’s essential to never drink and drive – no matter how little you think you&#8217;ve had to drink.</p>
<h2>Explain the risks and consequences of drinking and driving</h2>
<p>Drinking and driving poses significant risks not only to the driver but also to passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. Alcohol consumption impairs cognitive and motor skills, causing slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and diminished judgment, making it difficult for drivers to respond effectively to sudden changes on the road. Studies have shown that having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, which is considered legally impaired in many countries, increases the risk of a fatal crash by 13 times for young adults and even more for older adults. In fact, alcohol-related crashes account for approximately 28% of all traffic fatalities, resulting in more than 10,000 annual deaths in the United States alone. These devastating consequences also extend to the emotional trauma experienced by the loved ones of victims and the long-lasting impacts on drivers who are found responsible for causing these accidents, including legal repercussions, financial burden, and a lifetime of guilt. Moreover, governments and communities bear the economic and social costs of alcohol-impaired driving, such as medical expenses, road infrastructure maintenance, and loss of productivity. Thus, understanding the perils and far-reaching repercussions of drinking and driving is essential to promoting responsible behavior and ensuring the safety of all road users.</p>
<h2>Discuss the potential physical, emotional, and financial repercussions associated with this behavior</h2>
<p>The devastating consequences of unsafe driving extend far beyond the initial trauma, encompassing a wide range of physical, emotional, and financial repercussions that can have lasting impacts on both victims and their families. Physically, those involved in road accidents may suffer from debilitating injuries, such as spinal cord damage, brain injury, or amputation, which can lead to a lifetime of pain, restricted mobility, and dependence on medical assistance. The emotional toll of dealing with such life-altering injuries or losing a loved one in a road accident can be overwhelming, leading to grief, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Relationships among family members and friends may be strained, further adding to emotional distress. Financially, the burden can be immense, with medical bills, rehabilitation costs, loss of income, and potential lawsuits contributing to long-term economic strain. All these factors reinforce the importance of driving safely and remembering that every driver has a responsibility towards their own safety as well as the safety of others on the road. By adhering to safety guidelines and remaining vigilant, we can work together to reduce the tragic consequences of road accidents, ultimately creating safer communities for all.</p>
<h2>Highlight laws and penalties for those caught drinking and driving</h2>
<p>Over the years, there have been numerous efforts to highlight the laws and penalties associated with drinking and driving due to the severe consequences it has on road safety. Not only do these actions lead to a high percentage of road fatalities, but they also harm countless innocent individuals who become caught in the chaos. Consequently, governments around the world have made every effort to implement stringent laws and penalties to deter such behavior. Common penalties include hefty fines, license suspensions or revocations, and even imprisonment depending on the severity of the offense. In some countries, like Australia, license suspension for first-time offenders can last up to six months, while multiple-time offenders can face up to two years of license disqualification. Additionally, offenders may be required to participate in substance abuse education programs, community service, or counseling sessions. Ignition interlock devices, designed to prevent intoxicated drivers from operating their vehicles, may also be installed. The implementation of these laws and penalties is crucial in coercing drivers to be more responsible on the roads and recognize the dire consequences of combining alcohol with driving. Through the continuous reinforcement of these messages via sobering advertisements and campaigns, society strives to minimize road fatalities and ensure that our roads become safer for everyone.</p>
<h2>Provide tips on how to find alternative transportation options when going out</h2>
<p>Exploring alternative transportation options when going out can significantly contribute to reducing road accidents and promoting road safety. One viable option is utilizing public transportation, such as buses or subways, which provide a cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally-friendly means of traveling. Many urban areas also offer bike-sharing programs, allowing individuals to rent bicycles at affordable rates for short-term use. These programs not only promote physical activity but also help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. For those who prefer the convenience of personal vehicles, carpooling with friends or coworkers can reduce the number of cars on the road, decreasing the likelihood of accidents, while also fostering a sense of community. In addition, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer on-demand transportation with the touch of a button, often at competitive rates compared to traditional taxis. Moreover, numerous cities around the world have been implementing dedicated pedestrian zones, which encourage people to opt for walking when visiting popular destinations. Lastly, with the growing popularity and accessibility of electric scooters, e-bikes, and other micro-mobility solutions, individuals have a plethora of choices when it comes to selecting safe and sustainable modes of transportation.</p>
<h2>Share personal stories or case studies of accidents caused by drinking and driving</h2>
<h2>Emphasize the importance of having a designated driver or using public transportation</h2>
<p>The importance of having a designated driver or utilizing public transportation cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of not only the individual but also other road users. Designated drivers, who commit to remaining sober while driving, help prevent drunk driving, which is a leading cause of road accidents and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2018 approximately 10,511 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, accounting for 29% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. By choosing a designated driver or using public transportation, individuals are significantly reducing their chances of being involved in an alcohol-related accident. Additionally, public transport systems, such as buses, subways, and trains, are generally much safer than traveling in a personal vehicle, with a lower risk of accidents per mile compared to automobiles. Furthermore, the use of public transportation helps to reduce traffic congestion, which in turn leads to fewer accidents and a decreased likelihood of injury or death on the roads. Overall, choosing a designated driver or using public transportation is a responsible and essential decision that helps protect lives, promote road safety, and ultimately contribute to a more secure and sustainable society.</p>
<p><em>From this Video on this page &#8211; On December 10th, 1989 the first TAC commercial went to air. In that year there were 776 deaths on our roads, by 2008 that number had fallen to 303. This five-minute retrospective of road safety campaigns is a compilation of 20 years of TAC ads. The montage features iconic scenes and images from commercials that have helped change the way we drive, to the song Everybody Hurts by REM. This TAC campaign is a chance to revisit some of the images that have been engraved on our memories, remember the many thousands of people who have been affected by road trauma, and remind us all that for everyone&#8217;s sake; please, drive safely. There&#8217;s no one someone won&#8217;t miss. Towards Zero is a TAC vision for a future free of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. It acknowledges that as humans, we make mistakes. But when those mistakes happen on our roads we come off second best, because our bodies aren&#8217;t designed to absorb high-impact speeds. They never have been and never will be.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/razer-x-with-16-programmable-buttons-launched-at-mmo-gamers/">The Dangers Of Drinking And Driving</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Science of Cell Phone Addiction</title>
		<link>https://monicazech.com/the-science-of-cell-phone-addiction/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Monica Zech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2022 17:30:53 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Preventing Impaired Driving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cell phone]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://smartmag.theme-sphere.com/tech-1/iphone-13-series-to-launch-in-2021-possible-specs/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Our ubiquitous devices – cell phones – are not as innocuous as they seem. This comprehensive exploration into the science of cell phone addiction unveils a disturbing pattern: these devices, despite their numerous advantages, might be putting our lives in danger more than we realize. Strategic Design Leading to Addiction Cell phones, as revealed by [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/the-science-of-cell-phone-addiction/">The Science of Cell Phone Addiction</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Our ubiquitous devices – cell phones – are not as innocuous as they seem. This comprehensive exploration into the science of cell phone addiction unveils a disturbing pattern: these devices, despite their numerous advantages, might be putting our lives in danger more than we realize.</p>
<p><strong>Strategic Design Leading to Addiction</strong> Cell phones, as revealed by research, have been meticulously designed to foster addiction. By tapping into our inherent need for social connection, rewards, and constant stimulation, technologists have managed to capture our undivided attention. This addictive design has consequences, with <a href="https://monicazech.com/the-dangers-of-distracted-driving/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>driver distraction due to cell phone usage standing</strong></a> out as a particularly hazardous outcome. Findings show that the prevalence of cell phone distractions might be underestimated by a factor of up to 100 times.</p>
<p><strong>High Volume Distractor: A Startling Reality</strong> In a shocking revelation, cell phone usage has emerged as the dominant &#8220;high volume&#8221; distractor. For context, during a 20-mile trip, drivers interact with their phones around nine times. This statistic underscores the urgent need for heightened public awareness and intervention.</p>
<p><strong>Defining Cell Phone Addiction and its Consequences</strong> Cell phone addiction, or nomophobia, is a behavioral disorder marked by excessive mobile device use. It leads to sleep <a href="https://www.lemonade.com/blog/psychology-behind-phone-addiction/#:~:text=It's%20a%20neurotransmitter%20that%20makes,aroused%2C%20motivated%2C%20and%20happy." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>disturbances, increased stress and anxiety</strong></a>, and even physical ailments like neck pain. Most worryingly, this addiction amplifies the risk of vehicular accidents and fatalities.</p>
<p><strong>Social Impact: The Decline of Real Connections</strong> Our addiction to cell phones affects our interpersonal relationships profoundly. &#8216;Phubbing&#8217;, or ignoring someone in favor of checking one&#8217;s phone, diminishes the quality of personal interactions. This constant digital distraction fosters online relationships at the expense of real-world connections.</p>
<p><strong><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4587 alignleft" src="https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/A_teenager_engrossed_in_their_cell_phone_obliviou-300x168.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="168" srcset="https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/A_teenager_engrossed_in_their_cell_phone_obliviou-300x168.jpg 300w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/A_teenager_engrossed_in_their_cell_phone_obliviou-150x84.jpg 150w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/A_teenager_engrossed_in_their_cell_phone_obliviou-450x252.jpg 450w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/A_teenager_engrossed_in_their_cell_phone_obliviou.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Health Hazards: More than Just Eye Strain</strong> From &#8216;text neck&#8217; due to hunching over screens, to mental health issues like depression from excessive social media use, cell phones come with a host of health risks.</p>
<p><strong>Combatting Technological Dependence</strong> To address cell phone addiction, a multipronged approach is vital. This involves digital detoxes, mindfulness exercises, and using software that limits screen time.</p>
<p><strong>Managing Stress from Cell Phone Overuse</strong> Stress from cell phone overuse is real and can be managed. By setting limits on screen time, using the &#8220;Do Not Disturb&#8221; function, and practicing mindfulness, users can mitigate the harmful effects of over-reliance on these devices.</p>
<p><strong>Setting Healthy Boundaries with Devices</strong> The key to managing cell phone addiction lies in setting firm boundaries. Limiting daily screen time, leveraging apps to track usage, and consciously designating tech-free hours can help restore a sense of balance in our digitally dominated lives.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/the-science-of-cell-phone-addiction/">The Science of Cell Phone Addiction</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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		<title>Aggressive Driving &#8211; Research &#038; Dedication &#8211; Addressing Road Rage</title>
		<link>https://monicazech.com/aggressive-driving-research-dedication-addressing-road-rage/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Monica Zech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2022 16:27:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Texting]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://smartmag.theme-sphere.com/tech-1/latest-huawei-mobiles-p50-and-p50-pro-feature-kirin-chips/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>*In my safe driving lectures, when addressing the subject of aggressive driving and road rage, I dedicate this topic in memory of someone special, &#8220;Mr. Durham Sprague.&#8221; Mr. Sprague was killed by someone driving aggressively on September 1, 2000; he&#8217;s seated in the center in the above picture, and his wife is seated on the [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/aggressive-driving-research-dedication-addressing-road-rage/">Aggressive Driving &#8211; Research &#038; Dedication &#8211; Addressing Road Rage</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: left;"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft" style="border: 0px currentColor;" src="https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/jeanies_family.jpg" alt="Durham Sprague" width="301" height="239" border="0" /><strong>*In my safe driving lectures, </strong>when addressing the subject of aggressive driving and road rage, I dedicate this topic in memory of someone special, &#8220;Mr. Durham Sprague.&#8221;</div>
<p style="text-align: left;">Mr. Sprague was killed by someone driving aggressively on September 1, 2000; he&#8217;s seated in the center in the above picture, and his wife is seated on the right.  He was a retired Carlsbad Firefighter who raised four children, three firefighter sons, a wonderful daughter, an excellent journalist, and one of my best friends &#8211; Jeannie!  (She&#8217;s seated on the far left in the picture above with her son Sean.)</p>
<p>Mr. Sprague was killed on northbound 805 near Murray Ridge in San Diego as he attempted to merge into lanes.  The aggressive-reckless driver was speeding and weaving through traffic when he struck Mr. Sprague&#8217;s vehicle, causing him to roll off the freeway.  The driver who struck and killed Mr. Sprague had a history of reckless driving.</p>
<p><strong>Sadly, aggressive driving kills and injures motorists every day on our roadways</strong>. Unfortunately, this type of driving often adds to the &#8220;road rage&#8221; factor.   My safe driving lectures address &#8220;aggressive driving&#8221; with valuable tips on how to curb &#8220;road rage&#8221; &#8211; whether it&#8217;s your rage or that of another driver.</p>
<p>I talk about dealing with stress and road rage, either your anger or that of other drivers.  My lectures will open your eyes to the dangers and how you can reduce these dangers on our roadways.  The first thing to remember is &#8211; &#8220;We have <strong>NO</strong> control over other drives, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">but</span> we do have control of our own actions.&#8221;  In the 1990&#8217;s I was honored to assist with research on road rage with San Diego State University, NETS-Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).</p>
<p>I provide my audience with a &#8220;professional and personal&#8221; look at what it takes to increase your survival on our roadways! Also, how to avoid making the same mistakes others have made that caused their collision. My goal is to make you more aware of the problems surrounding us and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">reduce</span> the &#8220;risk factors&#8221; of having a collision.</p>
<p>These talks have been in high demand for Military Safety Stand-downs, Company Safety Briefings and Conferences, driver education/training courses, Colleges, parenting classes, and more.  I do utilize some stats in my talks, but I put <strong>faces</strong> with those stats.  Most are local faces.   But, keep in mind &#8211; I don&#8217;t <strong>&#8220;sugar coat&#8221;</strong> the issues since my goal is to save lives!  (Of course, when speaking to young teens and children, I am cautious about content.)</p>
<h3><strong>Tips for Dealing With Road Rage from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):</strong></h3>
<p>Aggressive driving can cause many serious problems on the roadway. All drivers must be aware of both aggressive driving and the behavior known as “road rage,” and what to do when they occur.</p>
<h4><strong>There are two important things to be aware of regarding aggressive drivers:</strong></h4>
<ol>
<li>Recognizing and avoiding the behaviors in yourself.</li>
<li>Avoiding other drivers engaging in these behaviors.</li>
</ol>
<p>Ways to avoid becoming an aggressive driver include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.</li>
<li>Do not “cut off” other drivers.</li>
<li>Do not drive slowly in the left (fast) lane.</li>
<li>Do not tailgate.</li>
<li>Do not gesture to other drivers.</li>
<li>Use your horn for emergencies only.</li>
<li>Let aggressive drivers pass you.</li>
</ul>
<p>The following are examples of common behaviors that can lead to aggressive driving and how to avoid them:</p>
<ul>
<li>Lane Blocking–Don’t block the passing lane. Stay out of the far left lane if other traffic wants to drive faster, and yield to the right for any vehicle that wants to pass.</li>
<li>Tailgating–Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. If you are being tailgated, leave more space between you and the vehicle in front of you.</li>
<li>Signal Lights–Always use your signals when changing lanes, and avoid changing lanes too close to the other vehicles. After you have changed lanes, turn your signal off.</li>
<li>Gestures–If you must gesture to another driver, do so in a way that will not be interpreted as hostile or obscene.</li>
<li>Horn–Avoid using your horn to say “hello” to a pedestrian. The driver in front of you might think you are honking at them.</li>
<li>Failure to Turn–Unless otherwise posted, right turns are allowed after a complete stop at a red light. Choosing to wait for the green light may frustrate the drivers behind you, but is not illegal.</li>
<li>Parking–Do not take more than one parking space. Do not park in the disabled parking space if you do not have a disabled parking placard or plates.</li>
<li>Headlights–If you use your high-beam headlights, dim your lights for oncoming traffic and when approaching a vehicle from behind; do not retaliate to oncoming high beams with your own.</li>
<li>Merging–When traffic permits, make room to allow vehicles to merge into your lane.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>If you would like me to speak to your group on this topic and other safe driving tips, please email your request to </strong><a href="mailto:monica@monicazech.com"><strong>monica@monicazech.com</strong></a><strong> &#8211; or call me direct at (619) 219-9030.</strong></p>
<p><b>Stay Alert &#8211; Stay Alive! </b></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/aggressive-driving-research-dedication-addressing-road-rage/">Aggressive Driving &#8211; Research &#038; Dedication &#8211; Addressing Road Rage</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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		<title>My Views On Teen Driving</title>
		<link>https://monicazech.com/my-views-on-teen-driving-2023/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Monica Zech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2021 16:18:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Alcohol Effects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teen driving]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>My views on Teen Driving&#8230; Toward the end of 2008, I was contacted by a teen, a student from a high school in Atlanta, Georgia, to answer nine questions in regard to a report she was doing on Teen Driving. Here are the questions, followed by my answers: Dear Ms. Zech, In your research in [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/my-views-on-teen-driving-2023/">My Views On Teen Driving</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><em>My views on Teen Driving&#8230;</em></strong></p>
<p>Toward the end of 2008, I was contacted by a teen, a student from a high school in Atlanta, Georgia, to answer nine questions in regard to a report she was doing on Teen Driving. Here are the questions, followed by my answers:<br />
<strong>Dear Ms. Zech,</strong></p>
<p>In your research in driving safety, I am writing to ask for your valued opinion on the safety of teenage driving. I am a junior at Warner Robins High School, and as an assignment, I am required to seek information from an authority on teenage driving. I will greatly appreciate it if you will take the time to answer the following questions to the best of your ability and have them completed by the fourth of February (09) since I have a set deadline.</p>
<p>Your expert opinion on teenage driving will add credibility to my research and is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Sincerely,<br />
L. Franklin</p>
<hr />
<p><strong>Dear Lauren,</strong><br />
Thank you very much for contacting me &#8211; I&#8217;d be happy to answer your questions. .</p>
<p>In answer to:</p>
<h2>1) What is the one driving danger or distraction for teen drivers that you hear most about today?</h2>
<p><strong>My Answer:</strong> I understand that you are asking for the &#8220;top&#8221; distraction, but may I answer it with the top &#8220;two&#8221; distractions &#8211; the distraction of cell phones (talking on a cell or text messaging) &#8211; the 2nd, distraction of friends in the vehicle? The use of <strong>cell phones</strong>, whether talking or texting, has been proven to be a &#8220;deadly distraction&#8221; &#8211; it&#8217;s been compared to being under the influence of 2 to 3 beers. <strong>Friends in the vehicle</strong>: it&#8217;s found, for every friend you put in your vehicle, you increase the danger of having a tragic collision. More friends &#8211; more reckless&#8230;a tendency to show off.</p>
<h2>2) Do you think that sixteen-year-olds are ready to be driving by themselves?</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>My Answer: 16-year-old drivers? Well, because of what we see. We would rather the age limit be 18 years of age to drive a vehicle, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">but</span> it greatly depends on the <strong>maturity</strong> level of the teen. There are some teens that actually wait until they&#8217;re eighteen, sometimes even older. Some teens are more mature than others. But 18 seems to be the age when there&#8217;s a maturity level to make better decisions behind the wheel. Then again, even older drivers make poor choices.</p>
<h2>3) What is your opinion on Joshua’s Law? Should teenagers be required to participate in this program?</h2>
<p><strong>My Answer:</strong> Joshua’s Law is the same law in California we call a &#8220;Provisional driver&#8217;s license&#8221; carrying restrictions during the first year of driving under 18. Both laws are designed to increase your chances of survival behind the wheel through <strong>&#8220;<span style="text-decoration: underline;">experience</span>.&#8221;</strong> The more &#8220;behind the wheel experience&#8221; &#8211; the better the driver to handle various situations they encounter. Your law requires 40 hours of supervised driving, California law requires 50 hours. I highly recommend teens take full advantage of this law if they want to increase their chances of survival during their teenage years of driving and beyond. Both laws require experience driving at night. Teens are more apt to be involved in a collision during the evening hours. <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Thanks to our law in California we saw a</strong> <strong>24% drop in deaths</strong> <strong>among teen drivers.</strong></span></p>
<h2>4) Would raising the driving age make them any less novice with their maturation? Explain.</h2>
<p><strong>My Answer:</strong> It&#8217;s assumed the older the wiser&#8230;the older, the more mature your decision-making. But every teen is different. Some teens recognize for themselves whether they&#8217;re ready to handle driving at age 16, 17 or 18. Especially as they see their younger friends killed and/or injured in crashes due to reckless driving. This often makes many teens realize how precious and fragile life is &#8211; thus becoming more responsible.</p>
<h2>5) Describe some of the carnage you have witnessed on the job or you have heard about, dealing with teenage drivers.</h2>
<p><strong>My Answer:</strong> Speed and/or driving under the influence &#8211; those are major factors in the crashes I&#8217;ve seen. In October of 2004 we had a crash involving three 17-year-olds males. All had been drinking as they celebrated the birthday of one of teens turning 17. In the evening hours they caused a minor collision then raced off to avoid being caught. While racing away they ran a red light and were struck broadside by a large truck who had the green light. In the impact the 17 year-old, whose birthday they were celebrating, was ejected. Due to their speed this caused a sling-shot effect thrusting the teen head first into a fire hydrant at the corner. Fire hydrants are made to break off at the base making them easier to repair when a vehicle runs into it &#8211; but in this case, the teen knocked over the fire hydrant with his head. Without getting too graphic in print &#8211; it basically knocked off the top of his head above his eyebrows and was of course killed. Quite often, in crashes involving speed/street racing, these crashes often result in occupants being crushed beyond recognition. A recent crash involved an 18 year-old losing control, going off the roadway into trees and his car bursting into flames &#8211; the impact killed him first &#8211; not the resulting fire. *<strong>What people don&#8217;t realize</strong> &#8211; vehicles are made for transportation only &#8211; not crashing. Only NASCARS are built for crashing. For every 10mph -this is equal to a one-story fall impact. An 80mph crash is equal to an 8 story fall. For every 10 mph over 50mph &#8211; you&#8217;ve doubled your chances of dying in a crash.</p>
<h2>6) Do you think that better traffic safety laws should be enforced?</h2>
<p><strong>My Answer:</strong> All laws, especially traffic laws, are made for the &#8220;safety&#8221; of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">all</span> motorists and pedestrians. When a problem (causing injury &amp; death) is recognized &#8211; a law is made to stop this problem from causing more injury and death. When we ignore these laws &#8211; the result is either a citation, a collision, possible injury or death. We passed the cell phone law in California after traffic collision investigations found 60% of our crashes were cell phone related.</p>
<h2>7) Before my accident, I thought, I won’t ever get in a car accident. That won’t ever happen to me. Do you think that most new inexperienced teen drivers are thinking the same thing?</h2>
<p><strong>My Answer:</strong> Exactly. I keep hearing people say teens think they&#8217;re invincible. But no matter what age, although we hear of others being involved in crashes, we never think it will happen to <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">us</span></strong> &#8211; until it does. For teens, despite hearing about other teens being involved in crashes and dying, they think &#8220;they&#8217;ll&#8221; do better at handling a speeding vehicle &#8211; or &#8220;they&#8217;ll&#8221; be different and can handle drinking and driving &#8211; that shows immaturity with youth. But, I also see that same type of thought process among adults.</p>
<h2>8) If there is one thing you would want all teen drivers to know, what would it be?</h2>
<p><strong>My Answer:</strong> One thing? Hmmm &#8211; sorry, how about one long statement? What I would tell teens is what I&#8217;ve seen and what I&#8217;ve experienced in my work -and in my own family. <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">REMEMBER the following</span>:</strong> The number one cause of death for teens is traffic collisions. But most will die as passengers. Think of your life, your safety. <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">NEVER</span></strong> get into a car with someone who is reckless, sleepy or under the influence of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">any</span> drug, especially alcohol. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>ANY</strong></span> amount of alcohol consumed, no matter what age, should be considered dangerous behind the wheel. Remember that alcohol is a drug &#8211; a depressant. On the very first sip of alcohol it&#8217;s in your blood system within 6 seconds &#8211; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">immediately</span> impairing your reaction time and judgment. Two important things you need to be a good driver&#8230;or operate any machinery.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t risk and/or ruin your life <span style="text-decoration: underline;">like others before you</span> &#8211; STAY AWAY FROM <span style="text-decoration: underline;">ALL</span> DRUGS. You only have one brain and one body &#8211; protect them. The worse vehicle to drive a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">motorcycle</span>! No protection except a full helmet. But, if you strike an object with your torso you will most likely die, lose a limb or become paralyzed. To increase your chances of survival &#8211; follow laws made for your safety &#8211; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">wear your seat belts and be 100% alert behind the wheel</span>.   Also, realize that being sleepy behind the wheel is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Both conditions cause &#8220;fixation&#8221; &#8211; as you look at an object, a tree or a bicyclist, you&#8217;ll drive right into that object without realizing it. The most dangerous of all roadway areas &#8220;intersections&#8221; &#8211; this is due to red light runners and STOP sign runners. In working for a police and fire department &#8211; our number one 9-1-1 call &#8211; <span style="color: #ff0000;">&#8220;traffic collisions&#8221;</span>. Be alert &#8211; be safe! Most of the collisions EMS respond to occur at intersections. The dangers I&#8217;ve seen are professional and <strong>personal</strong> &#8211; my father was killed as a pedestrian by a DUI driver on June 5, 1992 &#8211; so I know what it&#8217;s like to lose someone you love. (The DUI driver was a 23-year-old man &#8211; it was his 4th DUI arrest when he killed my father and was sentenced to a mere 4 years in prison.) Then on February 10, 2005, my daughter was hit by a DUI driver. But, because my daughter was alert and saw her coming she was able to steer away from a &#8220;direct side impact&#8221; and suffered minor injuries. (This DUI driver was a 17-year-old female driver, with no license or insurance. This DUI driver is now prevented from getting a driver&#8217;s license until age 21.) A year after this crash my daughter graduated from paramedic school, and a month later married a young man she met prior to paramedic prep school. Both are paramedics and love their jobs. Saving lives runs in the family.</p>
<h2>9) Should Driver’s Ed be offered in school?</h2>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>My Answer:</strong> YES! Some teens wait until they&#8217;re 18 so they don&#8217;t have to take a driver education course. That is most often a <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>fatal</strong></span> mistake. That means they have little or no experience when it comes to driving. A driver education course should be mandatory. Videos and experienced speakers, like myself and law enforcement, can make a big difference in educating teens on the <strong>real </strong>dangers of our roadways.</span> I&#8217;m very passionate about saving lives &#8211; so my answers were probably longer than you wanted. But I hope my information is helpful. <em><strong>One more comment</strong></em> &#8211; as parents, we&#8217;d like to see our children grow up to achieve their goals, career and/or marry. I&#8217;ve met many-many-many parents who never got to see their children get past their teens due to deaths involving traffic collisions. Losing a child is one of the worst things a person can experience. Thank you very much for contacting me. I am honored you contacted me. I hope my answers provide an eye-opening impact in &#8220;driving home&#8221; the message. Below is some additional data on Teen Driving. Most Sincerely &amp; Stay Safe, Monica Zech Here is some research information regarding teen driving: First note the following research: <strong>Crash patterns for teen drivers are alarming.</strong> Studies regularly show that:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among teens in the United States.</strong> In California alone, nearly 20,000 teen drivers are injured or killed every year.</li>
<li><strong>Teen drivers are in a far higher proportion of crashes than expected,</strong> given their relatively small percentage of the entire driving population.</li>
<li><strong>Teen fatal crashes take place far more commonly during late night hours</strong> than expected, given their relatively limited nighttime driving.</li>
<li><strong>Teen passengers are at a far greater risk in vehicles driven by other teen drivers</strong> than in vehicles driven by older, more <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">experienced</span></strong> drivers.</li>
</ul>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/my-views-on-teen-driving-2023/">My Views On Teen Driving</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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		<title>San Ysidro McDonald Massacre – A Birdseye View 2023</title>
		<link>https://monicazech.com/san-ysidro-mcdonald-massacre-a-birdseye-view-2023/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Monica Zech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:20:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Traffic on the road]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Diego History]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>My thoughts…remembering and reporting on the San Ysidro McDonald Massacre, where 21 people died and 19 were injured on July 18, 1984… It’s July 18, 2004. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since reporting from the sky on the McDonald’s tragedy. A tragic part of San Diego history…and I had a birds eye [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/san-ysidro-mcdonald-massacre-a-birdseye-view-2023/">San Ysidro McDonald Massacre – A Birdseye View 2023</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><em>My thoughts…remembering and reporting on the San Ysidro McDonald Massacre, where 21 people died and 19 were injured on July 18, 1984…</em></strong></p>
<p>It’s July 18, 2004. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since reporting from the sky on the McDonald’s tragedy. A tragic part of San Diego history…and I had a birds eye view. It was my first year of reporting news and traffic from the air. Previously a ground reporter for about 10 years. But I was now breaking new ground as San Diego’s first female air traffic reporter and first Television Traffic Reporter. I soon found myself as the first reporter on scene, in the air over McDonalds. I broke the story on the San Ysidro shooting…giving my first-on-the-scene reports for several local radio and TV stations. Back then, depending mostly on weather conditions, we flew either a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter or a small fixed-wing plane. Upon arriving on scene no one really knew what was happening – I was there to find out and report what I found.</p>
<p>It was first reported as a single sniper incident, that someone had been shot and stumbled into a post office. I was flying just a few minutes away over by the Coronado bridge when I got the report from my producer, and we, my pilot and I, continued South to San Ysidro. I was in the area quickly after that. As I looked down with my binoculars I was shocked and surprised to see utter CHAOS. Thank GOD we had chosen to fly the plane that day flying nice and high out of sniper range – since James Huberty (an unemployed security guard) was still shooting.</p>
<p>As we circled, I saw a San Diego Fire crew ducking for cover behind their fire rig. I immediately radioed back to my producer that this was more than what was first reported. I could see arriving Police quickly shutting down streets. My non-stop reports began. I was alerting motorists to steer clear of this area, what streets were closed and what alternate routes to take…as I reported I could see the windows of the Mc Donalds restaurant were shattered by all the gunfire.</p>
<p>As I continued to circle I also saw that traffic traveling to and from the U.S./Mexico border crossing at San Ysidro was traveling directly behind McDonalds and in the line of fire – so I radioed this back to my producer who called and had officials shut down the border crossing, and CHP stopped freeway traffic into this area. As I continued to circle the area – I then noticed the people who were hiding against the wall in the playland area…and then I saw two young boys lying on the ground motionless, with their bicycles, just outside the doors to McDonalds.</p>
<p>My reports to the Television and radio stations were non-stop until other ground reporters could get close enough to the area. In my mind I felt I needed to keep reporting, keep talking and help keep people out of the area…keep them informed on the tragedy below me. Other airborne traffic and news reporters units arrived some 20 minutes later.</p>
<p>In my reports, I did not mention I could see the people who were hiding in the playland area – why? Because we had heard the gunman may have a radio and was possibly listening to the radio broadcasts. I didn’t want to put those hiding in even more danger of being his next victims. <strong>It was about an hour and 45 minutes of circling and reporting when I then watched as a San Diego Police Sharp Shooter fired the fatal shot that took Huberty down.</strong> I then saw the officers rush the building…once the scene was secure, then it was the firefighters and paramedics who were all jumping over the walls rushing to save those who could be saved. I was relieved to see help was coming…but now I was devastated to hear it was too late for some 21 people…including five children and six teenagers.</p>
<p>As I flew out of area…I started hearing the reports of the carnage <strong>inside</strong> where most were killed. That’s when it finally hit me, up until then I was doing my best to keep people safe and out of the area – that was my job. I remember thinking to myself I hope I was able to help in some way during this tragedy. Another thought…I certainly couldn’t accept any news awards for this because people had died, especially the children.</p>
<p>When we landed back at the airport I found myself drained of energy. I couldn’t wait to get home to hug my 3-year-old daughter. Once home I didn’t want to let her go – and I cried…thinking of those who had just lost their babies, their children earlier that day.</p>
<p>It wasn’t very long after that awful day I started hearing from residents in that South Bay area. They were calling me, or coming up to me and actually “thanking me for saving their lives.” Some said they were headed down there, to that Mcdonald&#8217;s, or, they were going to that Post Office next door when they heard my reports just in time. I also received words praise from those who were coming across the border crossing at that time, how they were now stuck in traffic due to the closure. Months later I was invited to take a tour of the U.S. Border crossing, that’s when Border officials started telling me about how traffic was backed up for miles that fateful day coming into the U.S., but, it was strange that “no one honked or even complained.” How everyone had been listening closely to their radios – listening to my reports. Border Officers said they could hear my voice coming from the car radios reporting the dangers just a short distance away.</p>
<p>It was then, because of all those comments, that a year later, I was more comfortable and proud to receive a Golden Mike and two San Diego Press Clubs awards for those reports.</p>
<p>Now, working for the El Cajon Fire Department, I’ve continued that passion to educate and help keep people safe! I’m probably a fanatic about safety…but I’ve been teaching people to be more aware of their surroundings, at home, at work at play and behind the wheel – no matter where they are. But, the most important lesson…never miss a moment to tell the people you love – how much you love them “every day.”</p>
<p>I still remember that day very well, especially when other mass shootings occur. As tragic as it was, I was proud to have helped in some way…in possibly preventing the numbers of those killed or injured from being any higher than they already were.</p>
<p>I can also say it took me several years before I was comfortable enough to walk into a fast food restaurant. But I still look over my shoulder and I still prefer the drive thru.</p>
<p>Some personal thoughts from now the City of El Cajon Public Information Officer &amp; Safety Educator Monica Zech.</p>
<p><em><strong>Note: A memorial now sits at the site of the former McDonald’s restaurant, son the campus of Southwestern College Campus-San Ysidro. The address is 460 W. San Ysidro Blvd. It’s located between the post Office and a Donut shop</strong></em></p>
<p>To contact Monica Zech call (619) 441-1737 or email her at mzech@ci.el-cajon.ca.us.</p>
<p>(Note: One of our El Cajon Fire Captains Steve Swaney was a young Hartson’s paramedic and there on the ground trying to save lives when the shooting finally stopped. I’m proud to be working with these true heroes…)</p>
<p><strong>News Headlines – Man Opens Fire; Kills 21, Injures 19 –</strong> (7-18-84)</p>
<p>SAN DIEGO — Nearly 40 years after a man opened fire at a San Ysidro McDonald’s, people gathered Thursday to remember the victims who were gunned down during the massacre.</p>
<p><strong>On July 18, 1984</strong>, James Huberty, armed with three guns, pushed past McDonald’s customers and went on a shooting spree. Huberty killed 21 people and injured 19. The shooting rampage, which lasted more than an hour, ended after police sharpshooter Chuck Foster fired a shot that killed Huberty.</p>
<p>A granite memorial was built on the site to honor the 21 victims. Among the victims was an 11-year-old boy riding his bike by the McDonald’s when Huberty shot him through the window.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/san-ysidro-mcdonald-massacre-a-birdseye-view-2023/">San Ysidro McDonald Massacre – A Birdseye View 2023</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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		<title>Never Leave Children, the Elderly, or Pets Alone in Vehicles — it&#8217;s a Year-Round Issue!</title>
		<link>https://monicazech.com/never-leave-children-the-elderly-or-pets-alone-in-vehicles-a-its-year-round-issue/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Monica Zech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:16:14 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Alcohol Effects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Child Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pets]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://smartmag.theme-sphere.com/tech-1/innovative-vr-screen-and-control-tech-debuts-at-ces-2021/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Summertime is full of joy, but also requires certain precautions. With dangerously high temperatures and heat advisories in effect across the country, it&#8217;s important to remember never to leave babies/children/elderly, or pets alone in a hot vehicle – doing so could put them at risk of succumbing to fatal conditions within minutes! We&#8217;ve all seen [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/never-leave-children-the-elderly-or-pets-alone-in-vehicles-a-its-year-round-issue/">Never Leave Children, the Elderly, or Pets Alone in Vehicles — it&#8217;s a Year-Round Issue!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Summertime is full of joy, but also requires certain precautions. With dangerously high temperatures and heat advisories in effect across the country, it&#8217;s important to remember never to leave babies/children/elderly, or pets alone in a hot vehicle – doing so could put them at risk of succumbing to fatal conditions within minutes! We&#8217;ve all seen this far too often recently &#8211; if you love them, please don&#8217;t let such an irreparable consequence happen out of mere carelessness; your furry friends need extra attention on those sizzling summer days as well with walking paths like asphalt posing threats from burning their paws.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Auto Club offers parents and drivers these additional tips to prevent tragedies:</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4164 size-full" src="https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cute-adorable-pet-in-car-on-road-trip-2022-11-16-06-12-19-utc-1.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" srcset="https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cute-adorable-pet-in-car-on-road-trip-2022-11-16-06-12-19-utc-1.jpg 1920w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cute-adorable-pet-in-car-on-road-trip-2022-11-16-06-12-19-utc-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cute-adorable-pet-in-car-on-road-trip-2022-11-16-06-12-19-utc-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cute-adorable-pet-in-car-on-road-trip-2022-11-16-06-12-19-utc-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cute-adorable-pet-in-car-on-road-trip-2022-11-16-06-12-19-utc-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cute-adorable-pet-in-car-on-road-trip-2022-11-16-06-12-19-utc-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cute-adorable-pet-in-car-on-road-trip-2022-11-16-06-12-19-utc-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cute-adorable-pet-in-car-on-road-trip-2022-11-16-06-12-19-utc-1-450x300.jpg 450w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cute-adorable-pet-in-car-on-road-trip-2022-11-16-06-12-19-utc-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>From News AAA California</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet in the car alone, not even for a minute. </li>
<li> Create reminders for yourself and caregivers by putting something you need at your next destination in the backseat. For example, a cell phone, purse, wallet, briefcase, or shoe.</li>
<li> Never leave car keys or car remote where children can get to them.</li>
<li> Always keep doors and windows locked to prevent kids from playing inside a vehicle and teach them not to play in or around vehicles.</li>
<li>Develop “look before leaving” routines. Ensure all kids exit the vehicle at your destination.</li>
<li>Develop a daycare drop-off plan so that if your child is late or isn’t at daycare, you’ll be called within a few minutes. Some children have been left in office parking lots by distracted adults forgetting to drop them off at daycare.</li>
<li>Download apps that have “child reminder” features that tell users to check their car after they arrive at their destination.</li>
<li>If a child is missing, check the car immediately, including the trunk. </li>
<li>Take action if you see an unattended child or pet in a vehicle. Call 9-1-1 right away and follow the instructions of the emergency personnel.</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/never-leave-children-the-elderly-or-pets-alone-in-vehicles-a-its-year-round-issue/">Never Leave Children, the Elderly, or Pets Alone in Vehicles — it&#8217;s a Year-Round Issue!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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		<title>MADD Victim Impact Panels</title>
		<link>https://monicazech.com/madd-victim-impact-panels-2023/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Monica Zech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:15:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Texting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online Classes]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>MADD Victim Impact Panels – What Are They?: Mothers Against Drunk Driving believes that drunk drivers and potentially impaired drivers need to hear what happens to the victims of impaired driving crashes. The Victim Impact Panel is a tool for accomplishing this goal. MADD chapters select a panel of three or four victims to speak [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/madd-victim-impact-panels-2023/">MADD Victim Impact Panels</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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<h1><strong>MADD Victim Impact Panels – What Are They?:</strong></h1>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mothers Against Drunk Driving believes that drunk drivers and potentially impaired drivers need to hear what happens to the victims of impaired driving crashes. The Victim Impact Panel is a tool for accomplishing this goal.</p>
<p>MADD chapters select a panel of three or four victims to speak briefly about the impaired driving collisions in which they were injured or in which a loved one was killed, and how those crashes have impacted their personal lives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Online Victim Impact Panels</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4179 size-full" src="https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/teenager-attending-concentrated-online-classes-2022-11-15-07-56-39-utc-1.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1282" srcset="https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/teenager-attending-concentrated-online-classes-2022-11-15-07-56-39-utc-1.jpg 1920w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/teenager-attending-concentrated-online-classes-2022-11-15-07-56-39-utc-1-600x401.jpg 600w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/teenager-attending-concentrated-online-classes-2022-11-15-07-56-39-utc-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/teenager-attending-concentrated-online-classes-2022-11-15-07-56-39-utc-1-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/teenager-attending-concentrated-online-classes-2022-11-15-07-56-39-utc-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/teenager-attending-concentrated-online-classes-2022-11-15-07-56-39-utc-1-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/teenager-attending-concentrated-online-classes-2022-11-15-07-56-39-utc-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/teenager-attending-concentrated-online-classes-2022-11-15-07-56-39-utc-1-450x300.jpg 450w, https://monicazech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/teenager-attending-concentrated-online-classes-2022-11-15-07-56-39-utc-1-1200x801.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Speakers do not blame or judge those who attend the panel. They simply tell their experiences and relate how their lives and families have been affected by the crashes. A Victim Impact Panel Coordinator moderates the panel to monitor time, etc. Victims never speak to groups in which their own offenders are present. There is no interaction between victims and offenders during the panel presentation, however, attendees are invited to talk with the speakers after the presentation.</p>
<p><strong>Judges, probation officers, and military commanders require convicted DUI offenders to attend a Victim Impact Panel as an element of their sentences. The panel does not replace conventional sentencing but adds a creative component to it.</strong> Immediately after the sentence is pronounced, the offender is informed, verbally and in writing, of the date, time, and place of the panel to be attended.</p>
<p>Letters of Compliance are issued to the offenders who attend the panel. Offenders who fail to attend must return to court for appropriate sanction.</p>
<p><em><strong>All offenders who attend the panel must not be impaired by any amount of alcohol or other drugs. Impaired offenders will not be allowed to remain.</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>MADD San Diego County conducts seven Victim Impact Panels monthly – Four in English and three in Spanish.</strong></p>
<p><u><strong>The schedule is as follows:</strong></u></p>
<p><strong>Chula Vista Courthouse Jury Lounge, 500 Third Avenue, 91910</strong></p>
<p>English – 3rd Tuesday Evening, 4:45 pm</p>
<p>Spanish – 4th Tuesday Evening, 4:45 pm</p>
<p><strong>El Cajon Courthouse Jury Lounge, 250 East Main Street, 92020,</strong></p>
<p>English – 3rd Thursday, 4:45 pm</p>
<p><strong>San Diego Hall of Justice Jury Lounge, 330 West Broadway, 92101</strong></p>
<p>English – 2nd Tuesday Evening, 6:00 pm</p>
<p>Spanish – 3rd Wednesday Evening, 6:00 pm</p>
<p><strong>Vista Courthouse Jury Lounge, 325 South Melrose, 92083</strong></p>
<p>English – 4th Wednesday Evening, 4:45 pm</p>
<p>Spanish – 2nd Wednesday Evening, 4:45 pm</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>For further information call the Victim Impact Panel information line at (760) 871-2008.</strong></li>
</ul>




<p>The post <a href="https://monicazech.com/madd-victim-impact-panels-2023/">MADD Victim Impact Panels</a> appeared first on <a href="https://monicazech.com">Monica Zech</a>.</p>
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