"This was the last text message I sent before I caused an accident that killed three people."

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Today, a tweet from one of our Bicycle Ambassadors caught my eye:

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I notice them, too, the people who have their phones tucked on their laps, glancing down to read or type a message. Kelli makes a good point that if you want to spend time on your phone, make use of your time by sitting on public transit. It's a great way to check out of traffic, catch up on messages, relax and read without putting anyone at risk. In case you're unfamiliar with Washington's cell phone law, it's pretty simple: all drivers, regardless of age, are not permitted to use a hand-held device while driving.

If you haven't seen the latest documentary directed by Werner Herzog about texting and driving, find 35 minutes and watch. Better yet, if you have a friend who has a problem with putting down the phone, have them park it and watch. If laws won't make them hang it up, maybe seeing how their actions can change everything in a second will. The film has no stats, no laws, no actors. Just cold hard reality.