Get The Ink Out:

Maybe it’s because I read five out of the six Times Community Newspapers, but lately I feel like we hear more and more about people being injured or killed because of distracted or impaired drivers.

On Tuesday, we ran an article about Michael McLaughlin dying from injuries he received after being hit near the 55 Freeway (“Pedestrian dies from hit-and-run injuries”). Police claim the driver was drunk.

Lance Cpl. Elijah Leigh Ferguson was convicted Dec. 9 of murder for hitting another vehicle while drunk (“Marine guilty of killing driver, 63,” Dec. 10).

“Woman files claim in son’s death” ran Oct. 31, detailing how a driver struck bicyclist Darryl Benefiel, while making a left turn from Ridge Park Road onto Tesoro in Newport Beach. The woman’s attorney said they wanted to make people more aware of cyclists.

In Huntington Beach, Jeffrey Woods was sentenced Dec. 11 to six years in state prison for hitting and killing a 14-year-old in 2007 (“Woods sentenced to six years in state prison,” Dec. 17). Woods was under the influence of two prescription drugs and was texting at the time of the crash.

With the holidays here, especially New Year’s Eve, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of what driving entails. When you get behind the wheel, you control a 3,000-plus-pound machine — and that’s on the light side.

Sure, we have fancy doodads like power steering, anti-lock brakes and air bags, but the best tool available to make driving safe is our brains.

We all know that drinking and driving is a bad combination. I’m not saying people shouldn’t drink. I like a cocktail myself every so often, but you have to be careful about the decisions you make while imbibing.

If you feel slightly tipsy after a few cups of Grandma’s secret spiked eggnog recipe, wait before you get into the driver’s seat, have a friend drive you home, or take a cab.

But I’m sure you already knew that. So let’s move on to areas that still haven’t hit home.

Many complain about the inconvenience of having to use an earpiece to talk on a cell phone while driving — pulling out your earpiece and getting it into your ear, then turning it on.

Or maybe you’re like me and you have a corded one and have to untangle it, find the right end to plug into your phone, then cram the other end into your ear.

Simple solution: Keep your ear piece in your ear when you’re driving, and have it ready just in case you do get a call you have to take.

It may be a pain to drive with something in your ear, but juggling a phone between your shoulder and chin can’t be that much more comfortable when making a turn. And it sure isn’t safe.

I avoid taking calls while I’m driving. I like giving the person on the other end of the line my full attention, which means I’m not watching the road.

And what about texting?

I’m a texting fiend. I’d rather text than call someone. It just seems more, well, convenient. I’ll admit, I used to text while driving. I had the keypad memorized so I thought I was being safe because I didn’t have to take my eyes off the road.

But when you start having to count how many times you hit the No. 6 button to get the right letter, you’re in trouble.

And what about you, pedestrians?

In August, two little boys jumped out into traffic (“Boy still in critical condition,” Aug. 20). One was critically injured. As much as drivers have to stay alert, pedestrians need to practice safe behavior themselves.

I see people cross the street against the light. That’s just plain foolish. Drivers may not be expecting you to be in the middle of the crosswalk when they have a greenlight.

Or even worse, you cross in the middle of a busy street at night wearing all black.

This holiday season, as you spend time with your families, give the road your full attention, whether you’re driving, biking or walking. Someone’s life might depend on it.

JAMIE ROWE is a copy editor for the Daily Pilot. She may be reached at [email protected]. Her cat, Squee, hopes to successfully hide the reindeer hat Mom bought him.