Old Habits Die Hard: Must Read Tips and Web Sites to Help Break the Habit of Texting While Driving

You should see my computer. I have a Sony Vaio laptop – its white, or at least it started out white, now it's more of an off-white at best and a bit grayish in areas. The top cover is marked with several shades of fuchsia from an errant crayon- wielding toddler, but my keyboard is really the sight to behold: it's missing 7 keys. This is where typing class in 9^th grade, using typewriters, not computers, really comes in handy, having had to memorize exactly where the keys are and type without looking at my hands (Thank you, Ms. Hollingsworth), considering I can no longer identify the keys that have been removed. I can still use them; it just takes a bit more effort to push down the tiny button that remains. How did this happen, you ask? My darling boys, of course. They are attracted to my laptop like moths to an open flame. They always have been, even as tiny infants. And as you may or may not know, laptop keyboard keys come off very easily. Once they figured this out they did it because they thought it was fun, they were curious or they did it out of boredom. Who knows? What is clear is that they do know they are not supposed to touch my computer without permission. Despite warnings, threats and time-outs, they both continue to touch (or pound on), attempt to use, and generally terrorize my computer. Why? Why? Why? Well, why do I keep eating the bag of chocolate Easter candy even though I know it is not good for my waistline? Why do people continue to text while driving when they know it is hazardous to all drivers and pedestrians? Why do we as humans engage in activity that we know is dangerous, unhealthy or against the law? We do these things because we like the way it makes us feel, what we get from it, and because it is a habit.

Texting while driving is a habit that can cause great injury, damage and even death. Habits are hard to break, but don't worry I have tips. There is new technology that helps the driver resist the urge to text or even disables wireless devices while driving. One example of this new technology is crash avoidance systems that are built into vehicles. These systems warn drivers when they are not paying attention. For instance, there are warnings for lane-departures, forward-collision warnings, etc. Crash avoidance systems work to prevent all kinds of distracted driving, not just distraction due to texting. However, most cars do not have crash avoidance systems, not even new cars. Clearly this is not a quick fix, but one to consider as feature of new cars in the future.

The other, more readily available option, is blocking software that is available for GPS-capable smart phones. These work by using GPS to detect that a vehicle is moving faster than a trigger speed (15 mph, for example) then turning on the blocking technology. Two such programs are iZUP and ZoomSafer.

• iZUP holds text messages, e-mails and calls while you're driving, yet always allows unlimited access to 911 and a list of authorized phone numbers.
• ZoomSafer activates automatically or manually; sends an auto-reply to text messages, emails and unanswered phone calls; enables outbound calls via one touch voice dial; prioritizes inbound calls through your choice of hands-free options, and tells you who is calling so you don't have to look at your phone; and optionally shares your status via email, text, Facebook or Twitter.
• There are other similar programs, such as Textecution, DriveSafe.ly, tXtBlocker and others. All of these programs do essentially the same thing, range in prices from $1.99 a month to $5.95 a month and vary in compatibility with phones. Software for iPhones is in the works, but not yet available.

Blocking software is affordable and easily set up for each user's specifications. This option is a good choice for parents with teenaged drivers and also for employer's with employee's using company phones. While some of these programs can