A Message from the President
I n Brenham the other day, there was a bumper sticker that read “Get off your cellphone and watch the road.” I agree with the sentiment: When we’re behind the wheel, for our safety and for the safety of others, the road deserves our undivided attention. A friend was telling me about having to slam on her brakes to avoid a woman in a minivan who turned left across two lanes of traffic while texting on her phone. While her thumbs were engaged texting, the woman was steering the van with her elbows! My friend was amazed this driver didn’t hit anyone. But this begs the question: Why is it so hard for us all to set aside distractions while we’re driving down the road in a 2-ton machine? Cellphones are now the second largest cause of distracted driving, according to the U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles. I suspect most all of us have experienced talking on the phone while driving, even hands free, and not remembering the road we had just travelled. Other common distractions, which increase the risk of an accident, are other occupants in the car or eating, drinking and applying makeup. Distracted driving has been called “an American epidemic.” Eighty-percent of us admit to driving while distracted, and although we know distracted driving endangers ourselves and others, our tendency is to continue until charged with a crime or we become involved in an accident. These consequences can be unthinkably severe. In addition to the tragedy of injuring or killing someone else in an accident, fines and prison
time for a distracted driving-related conviction could be devastating. The good news is that this “American epidemic” is totally preventable if drivers change their habits. Some campaigns raising awareness of distracted driving seem to be working. One recent study showed younger drivers find distracted driving to be “selfish” behavior behind the wheel, according to TeenSafe. These younger drivers couldn’t be more right. We can all do better to protect ourselves and others and to set the right example for our teen and young drivers, who are especially vulnerable to distracted driving. Back to school time is a great opportunity to reinforce this message with them. I pray for the safety of each of you and your families as the summer cools to fall and we start new routines with school and outdoor activities. May we all keep our focus on the road ahead while enjoying the new season. Thank you for your business, and thank you for trusting Germania.
Paul Ehlert President & Chief Executive Officer
2 | GERMANIA TODAY
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