Note to Self: Stop Using Your Car as Your Office #DecideToDrive

Disclosure: I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

I am a busy work at home mom who spends a lot of time in her car. I drive A.J. to preschool and music class, visit social media clients, run errands and go grocery shopping, and work from local coffee shops (like I’m doing now while writing this). One of the things I’m most guilty of is – using my car as an office. If I know I’ll be in the car for more than 20 minutes I use that time to schedule a conference call or follow-up with a sponsor for my show. This makes me guilty of distracted driving. Keep reading to learn about the Decide To Drive campaign to create conversations about distracted driving.

Thankfully, I’ve been blessed to not have any accidents or run off the road. The worst that’s happened is I’ve missed a turn or two and had to turn around to get to my destination. My very alert 4 year old will chime in from the backseat and ask, “Is this the right way Mommy?”

I worked in local TV news for more than 10 years and as a reporter I covered hundreds of car accidents. I’ve seen first responders pull lifeless people out of cars.  So, I know better. But I try to maximize the most of my “working” time when A.J. is strapped in his car seat, listening to the radio, reading a book or using an app – to be productive. That.Ends.Today.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons  (AAOS) and the Auto Alliance have teamed up to remind us about about the dangers of distracted driving. For the orthopaedic surgeons, whose job it is to fix the limbs and bones damaged in auto accidents, this is especially close to their hearts.

Yes, I’ll keep my ear buds plugged into my iPhone while I’m driving in case my husband or other family members call. But I’m not taking any more business calls in the car, unless I’m at my destination or if I pull over.

Enter the Decide to Drive Catchphrase Contest by June 13, 2014. You creative catchphrase could help you win the grand prize: $1,000 Visa Gift card or one of two prizes: $500 Visa gift cards.

Since I’ve been open and honest about my shortcomings behind the wheel, talk back to me in the comments. What can you do to stay focused when you’re driving? Do you use voice-activated options on your car or devices so you can keep your hands on the wheel?