While I appreciated recent articles on distracted driving they failed to include all of the dangerous distractions while driving.
I do the Everett-Bellevue commute on I-405 every weekday and have noticed several distracted driving behaviors over the last eight years: eating, putting on makeup, shaving and disciplining children. But the worst and the most dangerous is smoking cigarettes while driving.
A few years ago I got side-swiped by a driver in the HOV lane and took off my driver’s side rear-view mirror. He could have killed me and my passenger. He said he was looking down and putting out his cigarette!
Think about it. First they have to get one out of the package then the have to light it. Then they have to flick the ashes off many times throughout the smoking process. (Usually out the window because cars don’t come equipped with ashtrays anymore). Then they have to put them out somewhere. (Also usually out the window).
These people are handling fore while they are driving! And what happens if they drop it in their lap? A big distraction for sure.
Deana Couture
Everett
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
