Slow down! Hang up! Just drive!!!!!

Ok so I am hesitant to sound preachy but I kinda am sitting here feeling really bummed out this evening. So with that in mind I want to remind everyone of a few things> When you are driving and see a "Work Area Sign" or any similar utility signs along the road please SLOW DOWN. Put the cell phone down and drive with caution. As some of you may know or not, I work for the phone company as a Lineman. Today as a matter of fact I was flagging traffic on Cheltenham Ave and Paper Mill Rd in Springfield Twp, PA. You cant imagine how many people are oblivious to signs , cones, reflective vests , bright orange flags and a reflective white hardhat. I know we all live busy lives in a increasingly busy world , but the people out there working for a living just want to earn their paycheck and make it back home to their family at the end of the day. 
         That didnt happen for a co-worker and fellow union brother today. He was killed while working , on the sidewalk by the way, as a result of a woman driving while on her cell phone who lost control of her vehicle and killed Paul Deans, a splicer from my garage. The incident, and i say incident instead of accident b/c this was preventable, happened in the vicinity of Germantown Pke and Northwestern Ave. (near Chestnut Hill College) 
          Take your time, slow down , be aware and HANG UP AND JUST DRIVE .....please

6abc.com and Action News: Fatal accident on Germantown Pike - 2/23/09 - Philadelphia News - 6abc.com

I am so sorry that you lost a friend in such a sensless way. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family. And that didn't sound preachy it is just common sense, unfortunately too many people are seriously lacking in the common sense department these days. Thank you for reminding us all to pay a little more attention and be a little more careful.

i am so sorry you lost a friend and fellow co-worker,  thi****s home... my husband is cable guy and out and about just like you guys and that could be him.  I've worried so much about him and stuff like that happening.   prayers for his family 

How tragic!!!!!  People are clueless, and that is just plain wrong.  My condolences to you, your colleagues, and this man's family.

Trish

Get on that soap box! People need to hear it!

So sorry about the loss of your friend and co-worker, my thoughts and prayers are with your company, his family and friends - this can't be easy to loose a good man so tragically and something that was totally preventable!

Liz

Patrick,

My heartfelt condolences to you, I will be praying for the family of this man, who was so senselessly killed.  I just don't get people. . .  while I do talk while I drive, it is always with the hands free, if I don't have that, I don't need to be on the telephone, it's a shame more people don't realize how a car is a lethal weapon. . .  again, my thoughts and prayers are for the family and lives that your co-worker touched.

Hugs, Laureen

I don't think its preachy at all and it is something that needs to be said and DONE. When will this state get a cell phone law?! It just amazes me the amount of people I encounter on my commute back and forth to work who are chattering away on their phones - at 6:30 in the morning! Who are they talking to? And don't tell me that at 70-75 mph you have control over your car when you have that phone stuck in  your ear - its a crock.

I am sorry to hear about your friends - its a terrible, senseless loss and all the more reason this state needs a cell phone law.

Patrick,
So sorry for the loss of your friend.
I think that we all need to hear this sometimes - people do drive crazy and the cell phone only makes it worse. A little reminder from time to time can't hurt. Thanks for preaching to us.
Tammy

Wow I'm so sorry.  I have a cell phone.  It's always with me in my bra.  I NEVER use it while driving.  I think that's wrong.  Too many things can happen.  I dont think Blue Tooth makes it any safer either.  You're not paying attention to the road if you are busy talking to someone.

I'm extremely sorry for your loss.  Stay safe out there.

Diane