Being a driver entails a lot of responsibility, not only for your own safety and your passenger's, but to other drivers and pedestrians as well. That's why we have this strong advocacy against getting behind the wheel when you've had something to drink, and if you are too tired and sleepy. Bottom line is, we want to avoid any untoward accidents that may cost you your life and others'.

Senator Carole Migden is one of those who firmly adhere to this, hence she voted for the ban of use of mobile phones that do not come with a hands-free device while driving. But irony sure has a funny way of showing up at your door. While driving, the San Francisco Democrat reportedly rear-ended a woman as she was reaching for her ringing cellphone last week. Fortunately, nobody was seriously hurt or injured.

According to recent studies on cell phone use among drivers conducted by David L. Strayer and Frank A. Drews of the University of Utah, it's not the gadget itself that distracts the drivers or is the one causing the accident. Rather, it is the conversation that results to an "inattention blindness" that leads to this unfortunate event. Having a normal conversation with a passenger while driving, on the other hand, still allows drivers to pay attention to their driving environment.

So to remind you all out there, it is understandable that there really are some instances when you would have to answer the call. But of course, while you believe and trust in your multitasking skills, it still wouldn't hurt to follow the safety recommendations provided by the AAA. It is for your own good.

• Recognize that driving requires your full attention.

• Before you get into the car, become familiar with the phone's features.

• Use the phone only when absolutely necessary.

• Use the phone only when and where it's safe to do so.

• Ask a passenger to place the call for you and do the talking.

• Keep the call short.

• Tell the person at the other end that you're driving.

• Get off the phone as soon as possible - especially in traffic or bad weather.

• Don't combine a phone conversation with other distractions.

• Secure your phone so it doesn't become a projectile in a crash.

Remember, safety first.