The Oscars Mixup and Cell Phones/Social Media

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

The media is awash in theories, photos and discussions of the Oscars and the possible involvement of cell phones and/or social media. It has been the big story for days.

One of my dear friends was killed in a horrible horrible car accident caused by some guy texting and crossing the center line. Not much has been said about it, but some of us testified in front of our state legislature trying to get stricter laws and more enforcement of the current laws.

Lots of people die every year because of this. If you have a chance to talk to someone about texting while driving or influence the laws, I urge you to do so. Sometimes I think it might do some good to publish the message that was texted and resulted in a death. It might be shocking to see what some of our loved ones have died for. . .

There is a far bigger problem than the Oscar mixup.

Lucky Charm · ‎03-09-2010

I can't tell you how much I HATE people who text and drive.

Strong word-- I know.

Like drunk drivers, I wish they only killed each other.

Strong words-- I know.

WenGirl42 · ‎07-05-2012

I'm sorry about your friend, @Sooner. I completely agree with you. I hadn't really thought about it that way, but it is disappointing that one highly publicized but ultimately inconsequential incident has elevated this issue in a way that multiple deaths and injuries did not.

SusieQ_2 · ‎03-27-2012

@Sooner, I'm sorry for your loss.

cherry · ‎03-09-2010

I think anyone who does this, and causes an accident, should get automatic jail time, and no exceptions.

There are far more serious things that face us ,than the Oscars. The people who caused the gaffe are now getting death threats..sheesh

happycat · ‎09-18-2010

I'm so sorry about your friend. You are absolutely right, this is a problem.

I think law enforcement should look at cell phone records and if someone was texting and driving and caused an accident, they should be charged. They do dwi checks all the time, so why not cell phone record checks?

And it seems like everyone does it. I seldom go to town where I don't see this going on.

2blonde · ‎03-10-2010

@cherry Yes, and those same people making the threats are probably texting while driving.

Laura loves cats!

SusieQ_2 · ‎03-27-2012

@Sooner, I'm sorry I didn't say this to you in my prior post, but I really wanted to say how much I admire you for the action you took on behalf of your friend by speaking to the legislature.

You put your grief into action and that took courage and strength. I know you don't really know me, nor I you, but I'm so proud of you. I hope that's not weird, but it's how I feel.

It was a wonderful thing you did and a wonderful way to show respect for your friend's life. We could all take a lesson, at least I know I can, about actually doing something to make a difference. Well done.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

I am very sorry about your friend. I agree that something needs to be done about people texting and driving. It is a horrible problem and we've had many accidents in our area due to that, some of them fatalities.

That being said, I am so tired of hearing about this Oscar mix-up. It's not the end of the world and it's now overblown. Enough is enough. Does it really matter anymore.

The fact that the 2 people involved are getting death threats says a lot about our society.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

@SusieQ_2 wrote:
@Sooner, I'm sorry I didn't say this to you in my prior post, but I really wanted to say how much I admire you for the action you took on behalf of your friend by speaking to the legislature.

You put your grief into action and that took courage and strength. I know you don't really know me, nor I you, but I'm so proud of you. I hope that's not weird, but it's how I feel.

It was a wonderful thing you did and a wonderful way to show respect for your friend's life. We could all take a lesson, at least I know I can, about actually doing something to make a difference. Well done.

@SusieQ_2 @WenGirl42 and others who commented:

Thanks for your expressions of sympathy. My friend died more than 10 years ago, but it is still a hurful and vivid memory for me. He was a good man and had done much for others. The highway patrolmen who worked the accident told someone in the neighborhood it was the most horriffic thing he had seen in his many years on the job. I have always wondered what that text message was, and how insignificant it might have been to cost a life. How utterly useless.

@SusieQ_2 SusieQ--Your post to me will make my week. It is the sweetest thing I've heard in a very long time. But I'm not a hero but I was blessed to have the opportunity to speak, and although it didn't result in the desired legislation at that point, it did help over the years to get new laws on the books. But still enforcement and laws lag on this issue.

I do believe however, that each of us can and do make a difference in this old world just about every day! You just made a difference to me today and it is appreciated.