The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
(Vol. 16 No. 34)
IN THIS ISSUE...
WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
Local Extension Office Visits. I’ve been making visits to local Extension offices this past week, and am scheduled to be in several this week. I’ve not taken the time to summarize the feedback and conversations I’ve had in each of the offices, but I would share that these visits confirm the passion, commitment, and desire you have throughout the system to serve, support, and create great learning opportunities for our clientele. The conversations have given me insight into some interesting and tough challenges, not the least of which is in local funding for County Extension Councils. A few of the many challenges we’ve discussed include communication, technology, partnering, and describing program impact. The dynamics of local discussions towards organizing into districts always comes up. I am impressed with the teamwork observed across offices in a District, and within offices everywhere!
Cell Phone Use While Driving. On July 1, sending a text message while driving is illegal in Kansas. In Manhattan, using a cell phone without hands-free is subject to being ticketed. What an inconvenience, right?? Have someone close to you be injured or killed in an auto accident where through investigation it is evident that one or both drivers were using a cell phone when the accident occurred. Your attitude may change.
Auto accidents that occur while someone is using a cell phone are on the rise. Distractions cause accidents, and cell phones have become a most common distraction. Both handheld and hands-free devices increase driver reaction time and are equally as dangerous.
Following are a few suggestions put out by our K-State Environmental Health and Safety Office that I believe are important to the K-State Research and Extension workforce:
• Silence your phone before you begin your drive.
• Set up a voice mail message that explains you're on the road, practicing safety to protect yourself and fellow drivers.
• Stop texting while driving. Research shows drivers who text are 8 to 23 times as likely to be involved in a collision.
• Pull over and park if a call is absolutely necessary.
• Encourage your friends and family to leave their phones out of reach while driving.
I am making a personal commitment to refrain from using my cell phone while I am behind the wheel. I hope you will too. It is going to take some adjustment for me, like checking the phone for missed calls when making stops, and returning those calls as necessary before getting back on the road. Don't wait for legislation to drive safely. Remember, no call is more important than someone's life!
Musical talent. Last week I asked for suggestions of musical talent within K-State Research and Extension. I know we have some great talent, but I also know that I do not know everyone. Please send me your name, or names of others who have musical talent to share!
Have a great week! --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu
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