Texting While DrivingTexting, playing a game, checking social media, or even checking the time on one’s phone can cause a driver to take his eyes off the road and lose focus. People are killed or injured everyday due to cell phone distractions while driving. Telling others about the dangers that can come from it can prevent this from happening. Drivers should not be allowed to use cell phones while driving because it puts them in danger, along with passengers of the car, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
First of all, drivers should be obeying the law. The U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, D.C., Guam, and 46 states, have banned texting while driving (Distracted Driving Laws).
More countries should enforce these laws to help with the safety of their citizens. Although laws about using cell phones while driving are in place, not all drivers obey them. One’s phone use may not only cause severe punishment, but it can also lead to death.Secondly, people are killed or injured everyday due to driver cell phone distractions. Around 25% of ALL car crashes are caused by texting while driving (Texting and Driving).
Dialing is 2.8 times more of a risk of having a crash; talking or listening is 1.3 times more of a risk, and reaching for a device is 1.4 times more of a risk (Texting and Driving).
Texting while driving is a growing trend; it is rapidly becoming one of United States’ top killers (Texting and Driving). People need to learn that nothing on a phone is worth risking a life for. Therefore, the FCC is working with safety organizations, industry, and other government agencies to inform the public of the dangers of distracted driving and is seeking the development of technologies that could decrease the occurrence of distracted driving (The Dangers). Some car companies have created vehicles with safer features including: hands-free calling, where one can simply click a button to answer/make a call, and voice controls, where one can verbally send/answer a text, change a song, or locate a destination (Must-Have). Set a good example by using these features instead of a cell phone.
In conclusion, drivers should not be allowed to use cell phones while driving because it puts them in danger, along with passengers of the car, pedestrians, and other drivers. Using a cellphone while driving may seem like it’s not a big deal, but for some, it will take something to happen to them or a loved one to learn their lesson. If one does their part to let others know about the consequences of using cellphones while driving- many deaths and injuries can be prevented.
