Despite laws against texting and driving in my state, many people still can’t resist using their phones behind the wheel. Whether it’s holding the phone to their ear, texting at a red light, or fumbling with GPS directions on Google Maps, these actions not only endanger them but also pose a risk to others, including myself. For years, I’ve been an advocate for ending the dangerous habit of texting while driving because it takes just a split second to change lives. So, you can understand my frustration when I see my husband reaching for his phone in the car.
Even if he’s not composing a text message, the mere act of picking up the phone in the car makes me cringe and, frankly, infuriates me. It’s something I can’t simply ignore. As much as I love my husband, the seconds he spends glancing at his phone when we’re on the road put us all in jeopardy. There are moments when I’m tempted to snatch his phone and toss it out the window.
He’s watched those heart-wrenching videos from the powerful “It Can Wait” campaign, featuring testimonials from parents and young drivers whose lives were forever altered because they took their eyes off the road for that one fatal moment to look at their phones. He’s endured my lectures, understands the risks, and, while he’s largely kicked the habit, there are still occasions when I catch him reaching for his phone to navigate.
This is simply not acceptable. Cellular carriers like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile came together to convey a compelling message through “It Can Wait,” and now Nissan is reinforcing that message with a similar initiative known as the #RedThumb movement.
The #RedThumb movement was initiated by Steve Babcock, who painted his thumbnail red as a reminder to resist the urge to use his phone while driving. This simple gesture sparked a movement, one that Nissan decided to support because safe driving is a top priority. By endorsing #RedThumb, Nissan is encouraging people to paint their thumbnails red and pledge to stow away their phones while driving, thereby contributing to a reduction in road fatalities.
Some have opted for manicures featuring red thumbs, purchased bright red yarn to tie around their thumbs, or drawn red designs on their thumbnails with permanent markers. Regardless of the method chosen, taking the pledge makes a meaningful difference. You can also inspire your friends by posting a photo on social media with the hashtag #RedThumb and encouraging your family, friends, and followers to do the same.
In my efforts to promote safe driving, I bought my husband a pair of red gloves. These gloves serve as a tangible reminder not to pick up his phone while driving, and they also provide an added benefit of keeping his hands warm on the cold steering wheel. Additionally, it’s challenging to use a mobile phone with gloves on, which further deters phone usage. While my approach may not be foolproof, especially as the weather warms and gloves are no longer necessary, I hope that by spring, my husband will have abandoned his old habits and will keep his phone safely stowed in his pocket while driving.
So, how will you go about turning your thumb red in support of the #RedThumb movement? Taking the #RedThumb pledge could win you one of two prize packs from Nissan, which includes:
- A $25 Cash Card
- A Red Thumb Kit containing a Red Thumb Band, Red Thumb Stickers, Dashboard Grip Pad, and a T-shirt
To enter, pledge to join the #RedThumb movement by posting a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #RedThumb by next Tuesday, January 27. Then, return here and share a link to your Instagram photo in the comments to enter for a chance to win a prize pack.
I hope that by sharing a photo of how you’ve turned your thumb red as a commitment to safe driving, you’ll inspire your friends and followers to do the same. Best of luck!
