Category: Texting and Driving

Texting while driving involves communicating through written messages using mobile phones. This action increases the risk of fatal accidents.

To tackle this problem, many nations have endorsed laws that ban texting while driving. Such laws exist in Columbia, Guam, and 7 other states in America (Tison 1). This paper supports that banning texting while driving saves lives as it prevents most causes of accidents. The paper first discusses the rate of texting while driving and the existing death records. It then highlights the effects and reaction by states to texting while driving.

Prevalence and Risks caused by the Action

Survey proves that two-thirds of people aged below 30 use phones when driving and over one-third agree to texting when driving (Gershowitz 584). Since these figures seem to increase, it is justifiable for states to ban the practice, particularly when tied with the risks of texting while driving.

Scholars at North Texas University found that texting while driving accounted for almost 20,000 fatalities between 2001 and 2007, after examining data on traffic casualty and texting reports (Gershowitz 583). Another study by the National Safety Council estimated that use of cell phone while driving accounted for about 1.6. Million accidents in every year, with texting while driving constituting 200,000 of those accidents (Wilson 2215).

Effects of Texting while Driving

Behaviors like text messaging, which involve switching of tasks, and requires extensive durations before execution, affect driving severely. Texting when driving seems consistent with a changing mold of concentration, where attention shifts to either texting, or driving. Once drivers change their concentration to activity of text messaging, which involves both reading and composing messages, their response rates to braking actions are much high and this shows the cost of switching tasks.

Young et al. designed a study to investigate the effect of personal behaviors on driving (250). The study found that dialing numbers physically had a negative effect on driving. Another investigation on the effect of texting on driving performance showed that texting while driving used the driver’s cognitive capacity, and forced him to shift eyes from the highway to the phone, severally. The study approximated that texting made drivers shift their focus from the road more than 14 times in every half an hour.

Results of a related study among truck drivers in Virginia showed that texting while driving was 23.2 times riskier than non-distracted driving (Gershowitz 585). This study also revealed that drivers on text messages shifted their eyes more than 4 times in every 6 seconds. As a result, these drivers responded slowly and left their lanes often (Gershowitz 585). Therefore, it is rational to argue that texting while driving increases chances of having accidents since text messaging impacts driving performance negatively.

Reaction by States

Following many accidents and research showing the risk of using cell phone while driving, legislatures have reacted with retribution. However, governments have reacted to the risky grouping of using cell phone and driving in different approaches. The most insistent approach has been to forbid using all hand-held phones when driving.

These nations allow drivers to use phones as long as they have hands-free specifications. The merit of this strategy is that it is an easy to enforce rule due to its simplicity since the driver could be either using the gadget, or not. Therefore, these legislatures ban texting while driving as use of hands by drivers gets banned.

Other nations have assumed strict regulations on use of phones while driving. For instance, some nations have banned all forms of texting while a vehicle is moving, in efforts to frame nuanced regulations. Other nations have banned drivers from reading, writing, or conveying any written or electronic communication while the vehicle is in motion (Wilson 2215).

Some nations have banned all use of hand-held phones and allowed use of hands-free. Other nations have limited use of phones, by teenagers, when driving, and a rising number of states and governments have prohibited the exact practice of texting while driving. Nations such as New Hampshire and Michigan disallow all forms of texting when driving (Gershowitz 584).

Iowa outlaws texting while driving, although their definition of a text message only includes electronic and direct messages (Gershowitz 584). Wisconsin allows reading text messages, but bans composing and sending of such messages through electronic means. Virginia bans drivers from reading any text message or email, as well as texting in any hand-held tool. Overall, many nations have laws that govern use of cell phone when driving.

In conclusion, the risks caused by texting while driving and the effects caused by this action explain why banning the practice saves lives. Texting while driving accounts for a large part of accidents that occur every year. Writing or reading text messages makes the driver shift focus from the road to the phone severally, and this increases the likelihood of accidents. Consequently, governments have put in place many laws that ban texting while driving in efforts to save people’s lives.

Works Cited

Gershowitz, Adam. “Texting while Driving meets the Fourth Amendment: Deterring both Texting and Warrantless Cell Phone Searches.” Arizona Law Review 54.2 (2011): 577-620. Print.

Tison, Julie, Neil Chaudhary, and Linda Cosgrove. National Phone Survey on Distracted Driving Attitudes and Behavior, Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2011. Print.

Wilson, Fernando and Stimpson Jim. “Trends in Fatalities from Distracted Driving in the United States, 1999 to 2008.” Journal of Public Health 22.13 (2010): 2215–2216. Print.

Young, Kristie, Michael Regan and John Lee. Driver Distraction: Theory, Effects and Mitigation, Boca, Raton: CRC Press Group, 2009. Print.

Introduction

Texting while one is driving can be defined as that act whereby one sends, reads, emails or composes text messages through the mobile phone while at the same time operating a motor vehicle (Ishigami & Klein 157).

With the onset of modern day technology, individuals are now in a better position to communicate easily with others despite their busy schedules, regardless of where they are or what they may be doing at that particular time. This habit of texting while driving has been perceived by majority of individuals and authorities as being dangerous (McCartt 1).

From recent studies that have been conducted, it has been revealed that approximately 9 out of 10 American citizens aged between 18 years and 36 years hold the same belief that texting while driving is distracting as well as risky (Beede & Kass 415). In addition, approximately 66% of American adults have been observed to email or read text messages from their mobile phones while driving to their various destinations.

Essay

As much as majority of American individuals and the rest of the world may agree that texting while driving is not only distracting but also dangerous, there are a few individuals who may argue that texting while driving should be made legal.

When SMS, also known as Short Message Service was introduced in the cellular phone industry, it immediately became evident that it should be considered as a danger as far as road safety is concerned (McCartt 3). To consider both sides of the coin, it is wise to state a few advantages and disadvantages of texting while driving.

As aforementioned, the cellular phone, better known as the mobile phone has brought about numerous luxuries and conveniences that make it sufficient for everyday individual activities (Ishigami & Klein 158). Those arguing that texting while driving should be made legal suggest that the younger generation, that is, those between the ages of 18 years to 36 years are better able to use a mobile phone and thus are considered better texters as compared to the older generation, those aged between 40 years and above (Beede & Kass 416).

This is because those of the older generation did not grow up using such technology unlike the younger ones who have been brought up having learned to use the cellular phones at an early age. On the other hand, one of the disadvantages of texting while driving is because of its sole reason of creating a distraction for that particular individual thus making them not to pay full attention to the road ahead or the various road signs along the way (Beede & Kass 417).

Texting while driving should be made illegal. To begin with, it has been observed from recent studies that have been conducted that majority of American citizens are in complete agreement that texting while one is driving should be banned as it is the leading cause of numerous road accidents that could have been avoided (Ishigami & Klein 159).

An example is given of an individual who was on his way to Seattle and happened to take his eyes off the road in order to scan an email on his mobile phone (McCartt 5). In that very second, he hit a Mazda that was in front of him, which in turn clipped a green Honda that rammed into a Toyota, before spinning into the opposite lane (Ishigami & Klein 159).

It then plowed into a city bus that was moving in the opposite direction. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt from the incident. However, this is just one of the many accidents that have been caused due to texting while driving, some of which have led to either serious injuries to the parties involved or even death (Beede & Kass 418).

A few states in American are now proposing bills that would ensure fining of drivers if caught texting while driving (McCartt 11). Current laws as concerns road safety only allow law enforcement officers to pull over drivers who have been caught texting while driving if they have committed another law as well as far as road safety is concerned.

If these bills are accepted, approved and passed, law enforcers will pull over drivers caught texting while driving even if no other law has been committed (Beede & Kass 420). In the states of New Jersey, Washington, Virgin Islands and California, laws banning the use of cellular phones while driving are already being implemented. Those found violating this law are fined up to $100.

Conclusion

In order for texting while driving to become illegal, governments as well as societies in general need to contribute to the implementation of policies and laws set forth for this reason. For instance, parents should clearly state the consequences involved as concerns breaking the law while driving as this has been observed to be a major contributor in the prevention of unnecessary road accidents.

The older generation or adults should be a good example for the younger ones through reinforcement of good driving habits as well as praising their efforts in doing what is right under the road safety laws and regulations.

Works Cited

Beede, Kristen E. and Kass, Steven J. “Engrossed in Conversation: The Impact of Cell Phones on Simulated Driving Performance.” Accident Analysis & Prevention. 2006. Pp. 415 – 421.

Ishigami, Yoko and Klein, Raymond M. “Is a Hands-free Phone Safer than a Handheld Phone?” Journal of Safety Research, 40. 2009. Pp. 157 – 164.

McCartt, Anne T. Driven to Distraction: Technological Devices and Vehicle Safety. Arlington, Va: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 2009. Pp. 1 – 15.

As the embodiment of various activities, characteristics, and beliefs of a society, popular culture plays a vital role in giving a community or society a sense of identity. Given that popular culture is the expression of the inherent activities that are unique to a given society (Browne, 2005, p.3), popular culture defines a society.

The act of using the cell phone for texting while driving is a common yet dangerous practice by road users in America. Two entities come into play concerning cell phone use while driving.

First, the widespread availability of the cell phone and the critical role that it plays as a communication gadget in the activities of many people across the US makes it an almost indispensable tool for a driver. The past decade has seen the cell phone become the most common communication gadget in the world, and the US has one of the highest rates of cell phone use.

Therefore, the cell phone industry has experienced phenomenal growth, and advertisements of cell phones with diverse features are common in the mass media. Secondly, the average American society is usually highly dependent on communication and technology. Unlike in the past, most letters, cash transactions, tutorials and business transactions are conducted electronically. The use of the cell phone for texting is thus simply another aspect of the fast-paced, cheap and effective communication media available today.

Accordingly, two theories fit into the topic of cell phone texting while driving. The theory of the culture industry states that, popular culture is dictated by mass consumerism within a society.

Therefore, the mass sale and advertisement of cell phone has led to its widespread acquisition and use within the US, with the act of cell phone texting while driving being an inevitable consequence. Because nearly all Americans within and beyond the teen years own at least one cell phone and a similar number own a drivers license, the likelihood of cell phone use (texting) while driving is highly increased.

Therefore, cell phone texting while driving becomes a by-product of mass consumerism. Another theory, which aptly captures the act of cell phone texting while driving, is the theory of progressive evolution. Popular culture as analyzed through this theory is simply an expression of the genuine needs and actions of the people. Therefore, the use of cell phones for texting while driving expresses a critical characteristic of the average American: his/her ever-busy predisposition.

Many Americans text while driving because the fast paced modern lifestyle Americans live involves having to perform multiple tasks (such as texting while driving) in order to accomplish the many errands to be done and even save time. Therefore, according to this theory, cell phone texting while driving – although highly dangerous for the driver and other road users – is simply an expression of the lifestyle of Americans.

By analyzing the act of cell phone texting while driving through the lenses of the stated theories, I have been able to understand the act comprehensively. Previously, I dismissed all persons guilty of this dangerous act as careless individuals on a self-declared kamikaze mission. I failed to understand why anyone would ‘willingly’ risk his or her life and those of other road users by using his or her cell phone while driving.

However, the two theories have enabled me to look at the act in from a remarkably different angle. The theory of mass culture industry has enabled me to understand the origin of the act, and appreciate how the user of the cell phone while driving is simply the victim of a culture that glorifies the cell phone. The theory of progressive evolution, on the other hand, has enabled me to appreciate that the use of cell phone while driving, although dangerous, is an expression of the ever-busy lifestyle of the average American.

I no longer heap the entire blame on the cell phone using driver, and I now understand that to eliminate the habit may require the re-structuring of the entire American way of life as we know it – such is the interconnectedness between cell phone texting while driving and the prototypical American way of living.

Reference

Browne, R. B. (Ed.). (2005). Profiles of Popular Culture: A Reader. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press.

My new app is called STAD. This application will help drivers avoid using their mobile devices whenever driving. This new app can significantly reduce the number of road accidents on our roads. STAD comes with a device that is connected to the car. The device is capable of blocking every feature and function of a smartphone. The application activates a feature called automatic texting response (ATR) to ensure the driver does not use the device. The user can install the activation device in the vehicle by plugging it into the onboard diagnostic port. The port pairs the mobile device via Bluetooth. The application will function when the vehicle is in motion.

This application can disable every phone or mobile device. The application installed in the driver’s smartphone will disable every function when the vehicle is in motion. The passengers in the vehicle are free to use their tablets and smartphones because they do not have the application. The application also comes with its activation device. The driver should install the activation device in the car in order to function properly. The driver can also fix this device to every vehicle’s windshield. The device comes with a powerful solar panel to charge it. The device works even when the temperatures are extremely low.

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The application will be one of the best strategies towards saving the lives of many people. STAD is one of the best apps because it comes with extra-ordinary features and compatibility modes. The app works with almost every vehicle and mobile device. The application is effective and efficient. This application will play a major role towards reducing most of the accidents encountered in our country.