What Happens If You Slow Down and Avoid Distraction?

Last week I had the pleasure of appearing in Juvenile Court in Alexandria, Virginia with my 16-year-old son Sam and 30 other 16-year-olds and their mom or dad. We were there for the driver’s license presentation ceremony. Sam actually earned his driver’s license several months ago and has been driving legally with a paper permit. But our state requires you to appear in court to receive the official license from a judge.

The judge was very pleasant and reassured the new drivers that today is a happy day and that no harm would come to them in this courtroom…today. However, in a speech that was both uplifting and cautionary, she said this: “You’re excited at the prospect of being able to drive around without mom or dad in the car. And mom and dad are also excited at the prospect of not having to drive you wherever you want to go. But this new license confers a big responsibility too. It’s not a right; it’s a privilege that is earned and can easily be taken away from you. There are really only two messages I want to convey to you as you begin this new period of freedom in your lives: slow down and avoid distraction. Young drivers get into accidents because they drive too fast and can’t handle the car when something unexpected happens; or, they get into accidents because they are distracted by other passengers in the car, by texting, or talking on their phone. So, slow down and avoid distraction.”

I tried to follow the judge’s advice – slow down and avoid distraction – as I drove into work today. Instead of “pushing it” and exceeding the speed limit to get ahead of the next guy, I stayed within 5 mph of the posted speed limit and kept mostly to the two right travel lanes on the highway. I observed several things when I did this. First, I noticed a lot more front bumpers and headlights very close to me in my rearview mirror. Second, I saw a lot more cars passing me. Third, I arrived at the office in about the same amount of time as if I had been “pushing it” as I often do. Finally, I felt more relaxed behind the wheel.

What else might happen in our lives and in the world if we slow down and avoid distraction? Would we increase our chances of actually experiencing the meaning of the holiday we intend to celebrate at this time of year? Would we spend more time actually visiting with family and friends instead of rushing about in shopping malls looking to buy something to express to our family and friends how we feel about them? What do you think? What happens if we follow the judge’s advice? What happens if you slow down and avoid distraction?