In the humorous Christmas song, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” she’s a bit tipsy from enjoying too much eggnog on Christmas Eve. So, it’s easy to understand how Grandma could have stumbled into the path of Santa’s sleigh on her way home. As the story unfolds, it’s discovered that hoofprints found at the scene the next morning suggest she was the victim of a distracted sleigh driver.

And now we know the real cause of the hit- and-run: Rudolph was texting and flying. Holiday music and mischief aside, texting and driving is no joke. Studies show that taking your focus off of the road for even five seconds – just enough time to type “Rudolph did it” – is approximately the same amount of time it takes to drive the length of a football field at 55 mph.

If your eyes are on your phone in those critical moments, the consequences can be devastating.

The Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau reports that in 2022, 9,201 crashes on Iowa roadways were the result of distracted/inattentive drivers. These incidents were responsible for 20 deaths, 3,652 injured persons, and more than $81 million dollars in property damage.

The next time you’re tempted to text while driving, remember the tale of Grandma’s tragic trek (see the video at www.youtube.com/
watch?v=rX0YLZ3Hb6A) on Christmas Eve. Keep your attention on the road and may your travels be merry and bright! In 2024 in Iowa, 318 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of nine since Friday, Nov. 28. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths.