Using cell phones has become a mandatory part of everyday life. We use it to check e-mail, weather, play games, and keep in touch with the latest gossip from friends. We, the majority of the population, have become quite dependent on our phones, but when is too much? Using cell phones while driving is a serious problem. Inexperienced drivers do not fully comprehend the gravity of using phones while driving but statistics and studies have shown a drastic increase in accidents while using cell phones since the frenzy has started.
Cell phones are like billboards, passengers, music, and anything else you see driving down the road; they are all distractions. Distractions keep us from paying attention to pedestrians and street signs. Even though we say we know how to use our phones safely while we drive, they still make us break eye contact with the road. We have to look down to dial a phone number or type out a text, and then we always look down when we hang up or to check if we have a message.
Another problem with driving while using the phone is that most people get emotionally involved in their conversations. If we get bad news while we are driving it can make us cry, mad or anything other strong emotion which increases the possibility of accidents.
Using cell phones while driving is a bad idea because it increases our chances of having an accident. It is an overall hazard to the public safety.
Although I agree with the negative effects of using cell phones while driving, one could argue that every distraction should be illegal as well.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that cell phones have gotten out of control and that inexperienced drivers on phones are a high risk on the road. So instead of banning all drivers from talking on the phone, perhaps they should ban minors. The highest percentage of inexperienced drivers is between the ages of 16 and 20 years old.
If there were a law prohibiting people from talking on a cell phone while driving, there must also be a law prohibiting talking to anyone while driving. A conversation with a car passenger can be as emotionally changing as a conversation over the phone. Along those lines one could argue that it should be illegal to change the radio dial, drink a beverage, or even glance at something on the side of the road. If billboards are a distraction those should definitely be banned as well.
I agree that cell phones have become a major issue with drivers today. I believe that drivers should have to pull over in order to use their phone. I know it seems extreme, but I think that with all the other distractions and information going through our heads when we are driving a cell phone is the one thing we can control not being distracted by. You inevitably see billboards or listen to passengers in your backseat but you can put your cell phone up and out of sight when you drive in order to have better focus.
ReplyDelete-Lizzy Ormsby