LAPD

I’ve spent the last six months working very closely with Sprint M2M (machine to machine). In addition to a zillion other devices there are OBD2 diagnostic devices that run on the Sprint M2M network. These devices plug into the diagnostic port of your vehicle and share information with the vehicle owner.

Because I am surrounded by parenting bloggers we’ve been talking about how you can use these devices which run on the network to disable text messaging in your vehicle while it is in motion. There are many other things that the OBD2 devices can do locate your car (yes I lose mine regularly), unlock your car (if I admit to two dumb things am I loser?), let you know if it’s being driven recklessly, diagnose engine issues and more. We’ve stayed with the most eye catching of the features which is the text messaging.

When a local event came up I knew that Sprint M2M would be the perfect sponsor. Connor Lynch was 16 years old when he was struck and killed by another teen driver. My neighborhood was understandably devastated. Connor’s mother is that lady that everyone knows and loves. This amazing family took the most unimaginable tragedy and turned it around, they established the Connor Lynch Foundation and help to educate runners, cyclists, pedestrians and young drivers. Sprint M2M is the perfect supporter in every way.

I thought it would be easy.

Connor’s Grandmother belongs to the same tennis club as I do. Periodically I get a call to fill in as a fourth for doubles. This is when I remind the club that I hate doubles and when they tell me which group it is I grab my racket and go. These ladies may have teenage grandchildren but they were all but born with rackets in their hands and I have yet to outplay any of them. These ladies are unflappable on the court and you’re about to see that Bobbi is unflappable off the court too. As I started to introduce her I said, “This is Bobbi she was, is.” And then I burst into tears because I didn’t know the word for a lady who lost her grandson. Maybe there is no word because there’s nothing awful enough to describe it.

The 5k was great. It raised money for the foundation and it brought our community together again to support a family that everyone loves. Thanks so much to Captain Ivan Minsal from the LAPD & Willie Garson who almost missed the start of the run because we were yakking with him.

Sprint is working very hard to remind folks to put down their devices when they drive. For new drivers and for those of us who could use an extra layer of help you can get an OBD2 device from your insurance agent if you just ask for one. There’s more information on the Sprint blog too.