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It feels like every time we turn around, we’re finding out about a wreck in Troup County. 

Sometimes those wrecks result in minor injuries or just an annoying traffic jam on Interstate 85. Other times, unfortunately, someone dies.

We’ve gotten to the point in society where even while driving many feel like they can’t put their phones down. Work is always waiting. Or family. Or that friend that always seems to send the funniest gifs.

But imagine looking down at your phone for a second too long, and an animal jumping from out of the bushes into the roadway. Or the car in front of you suddenly stopping unexpectedly.

Or who knows what. Anything can happen.

We see people run into things when walking while looking down at their phones. Or stumble. Or completely miss something incredible going on around them. That’s walking, something we’ve all been doing since we were toddlers. 

So why in the world would anyone want to do it at 70 miles per hour? Or 80? Or even 55?

In the United States, over 3,100 people were killed and about 424,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2019. 

Think about how many text messages you send per day that are really THAT important — life or death. They can’t wait 5 minutes. Or 10.

We’re guessing those sorts of messages happen rarely, and when they do, it’s probably easier to call. Or just pull over and send that text. Using hands free calling allows you to drive while still getting whatever business done that you need.

Put your phone down. Driving is dangerous enough as it is. We’ll also remind you that in Georgia texting while driving is illegal. If you’re caught, you’ll get a ticket. 

So do us a favor — don’t cause an accident because a text message — one that probably isn’t very important — can’t wait five minutes.