Today, most Americans use cell phones to connect with others in their daily life and use these devices as a means to communicate personal and business related ideas from all over the country. Living in such a fast paced society we are forced to use cell phones in all sorts of places and environments and often sacrifice our attention to focus only on the conversation at hand. This lack of attention can be dangerous in many situations, but some argue that it is most dangerous while driving in your vehicle. To combat this many states have outlawed text messaging while driving to help prevent accidents from happening. However, the total ban of cellular phone usage while driving may be the only way to decrease a growing level of car accidents in this country.
According to a study of focus groups, by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, people believe that there are many benefits to using your cell phone while driving. They believe that some of these benefits are an expanding of your productive time, the ability to contact emergency services, and the strengthening of social networks. Obviously, many of us see the value in these things, but a person could also do all of these outside of the vehicle.
As in many things when there are benefits there are risks. In the same study, by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, hazards of using your cell phone while driving were also examined. The study estimated that cell phone distractions caused 2,600 traffic deaths every year, and 330,000 that result in moderate or severe injuries. This study was conducted in 2003 and if you calculate, starting in 2004 until now, you see that there are an estimated total of 15,600 deaths during that time. In another study cited by a New York Times article, in July of last year, it was found that drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to cause a crash as other drivers, and the likelihood that they will crash is equal to that of someone with a .08 percent blood alcohol level. Even though these are just estimates it is possible for one to see that these risks outweigh any benefit.
My idea to help prevent the possibility of car accidents is to outlaw drivers from using their cellular phones in the vehicle entirely. This would mean that there would be no text messaging and the making or receiving of calls. I understand that this law would be hard to police, but I believe that the threat of a fine would help many people to become less dependent on their phones in the car. Although we do live in a fast paced society it is still necessary to slow down for our own safety and this is just one way of doing that.
Jacob Wright
I agree with most of your points, but I think abolishing cell phone use completely is excessive.
ReplyDeleteNew technology, including new cell phones, introduces new conveniences as well as new problems. The problems concerning cellphones and operating a vehicle are slowly being introduced solutions.
These solutions include hands free devices such as blue tooth, and hardware installed within the car that stores contact information and projects calls through the speakers of the car (drivesoft).
I believe we should adopt the laws currently placed in the UK. Provided by http://www.sciuridae.co.uk/bluetooth_hands_free/mobile_phone_law.htm the law in the UK prohibits the actual physical holding of the cell phone once your engine is running. This solution prevents the deadly distraction of texting, yet still enables the use of vehicle cellular technology being employed.
If cell phone use in vehicles received a hard ban, listening to music should be banned. I've seen a car full of incredibly distracted teen age girls rocking out to Hannah Montana, as a driver, I would feel more comfortable next to a business executive on his cell than a car blaring party in the usa any day.
Daniel Pointer
While I agree with most points as well, I believe an individual should be allowed to talk on a cell phone, but how they use their cell phone can be a topic of discussion. The laws actually need to be enforced. The law as it stands no one is allowed to text. If that’s the case, why do cops do it driving down the road? While texting may be the main concern, you can't forget about just simply talking on the phone. While the radio may be a distraction enough some can't even handle a simple conversation and making a turn on the road. I believe Arkansas needs a hands-free law making it necessary for all drivers to utilize hands-free devices while behind the wheel. The current law states that hands-free devices must be used only by drivers between 18-20 years of age. I understand that in case of emergency a cell phone would be of great importance to be able to dial 911. Only about 30% of vehicles on the road today are equipped with On Star navigation and if this became mandatory then the overall importance for cell phones would decrease.
ReplyDeleteLauren Pinkerton
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that cell phone usage is very distracting while driving and the point that texting and driving should not be allowed. It is highly dangerous to the driver and others on the road. However, as stated by Daniel above, hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth, are a good solution to the talking and driving debate. It would be incredibly difficult, if not entirely impossible to eliminate this distraction while driving. One could argue the use of iPods are of equal distraction. I have witnessed more than a few mothers getting onto their children while driving, turning around to tell them to be quiet or what-have-you. Distractions while driving are countless. I think that when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, and passengers rely on you and you alone. This means buckle up, check your rearview mirrors, look twice, and most importantly, pay attention to the road.
ReplyDeleteAnna Parten
It seems like all of us commenting seem to agree, the use of cell phones while driving is a serious issue. Personally I would like to see studies done on the use of hands-free devices. I know Mythbusters did an episode on cell phone use on a coned- off course. The issue there was trying to talk and operate the vehicle with one hand or the phone pinched between your ear and shoulder, both of which are very disabling. Distractions are going to happen, whether it's the radio, a cup of coffee, or putting on make-up while driving. However, I do agree with the states that are banning texting while driving. As a hypocrite on this matter I can testify that texting while driving can just about get you killed. By the grace of God all I ended up with was a shattered mirror, spider web windshield, and a very rough looking mail box that belonged a very lovely old pentecostal woman!
ReplyDeleteJeff C.
I agree with your point completely but realize the same thing that you do that policing this would be difficult to impossible and that is why such a thing would never happen especially with a world that gets more and more cell phone and technology dependant that is why I think you should take a different angle on your approach and go for the government enforcing safety regulations or car companies doing it themselves. Windshield wipers, car seats, seat belts were all things that were just luxuries until people realied how important they were to safety. Amke the point that hands free phone jacks are the next thing to be added to that list that is no longer a luxury in new cars but a neccesity in new cars.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Boyce