Cell Phone Use While Driving

It is well-known to all that the privilege of driving comes with a responsibility. Even then, many are ignoring the risks of using their cell phones while driving and think that a ban on phone usage is an injustice.

It is argued by many that drivers do many other activities while driving that can cause more accidents than just talking on the phone. The activities such as changing the radio station or CD track, talking to passengers, eating and applying make-up can have the driver distracted the same way as talking on the cell phone can (Wilson, Brian). However, the fact that distraction while using a cell phone does not only come from holding the phone but also from the conversation, is being ignored. The brain has to account for the missing visuals when a person is talking on the phone which is much more distracting than when you are talking to someone in person (Pearson, John). The researchers of the University of Utah have even called such distraction “inattention blindness.” The driver’s curiosity of visualizing what they do not see on the other end of the phone call can lead to a slowed reaction time in dealing with the changing patterns of traffic. Driving while drunk is considered dangerous for the same reason. Theses activities clearly distract the driver enough to cause an accident which means these activities need to be banned while driving.

Many consider that banning cell phone use while driving is a restriction on personal freedom and that making a phone conversation is more like any other everyday activity (Chittom, L; English M). But with this argument, they fail to realize that this action can cause potential danger to other people’s lives as well, which takes using a phone away from just being a personal issue. These days, cell phones come with variety of other attractions attached to them like cameras, games, text messaging, GPS, and more. Using these facilities while driving is sure to get the driver’s eyes and focus off road and onto the phone. Even taking your eyes of the road for a split second can be catastrophic, not only for you but for other drivers.

In the article ‘A Ban on Cell Phone Use Is Overkill’ the authors Lynn-nore Chittom and Marlanda English write that cell phones are private property like cars and the owners should be allowed to use their property as they please. Considering the example of car given by the authors, we do not drive however or whichever way we please but we accept the laws and rules for our own safety and also for the safety of the other drivers. If people question the ban on cell phones while driving, they are questioning the bans of cell phones in public places such as libraries, movie theatres, and churches.

People have happily accepted that using a cell phone in public requires some manners and many are complying with the general etiquettes because that is something that causes disturbance. Many of us turn our phones on vibration mode in movie theatres, libraries, and other public places. If the use of cell phones causes disturbance in public places, how can anyone ignore the nuisance caused by drivers, busy talking on their cell phones, who simply slow down or forget to change lanes in time? People cause accident and just because a person has slowed their vehicle’s speed due to an ongoing conversation on their cell phones does not suggest that they are not at risk of causing an accident.

I believe that cell phone use while driving should be prohibited due to the fact that it can be life threatening for many drivers. This topic is a big issue among drivers as some feel that cell phones can be used and other are against their use while driving. I chose this topic because whenever I went on to the highway, I would see over half of the other drivers using cell phones. From that I wanted to find out why cell phones had not been already banned and how likely is it that they will be banned. I did not get exact answers for my questions but I learned that people are finally starting to realize the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. This will certainly lead to a ban on cell phones while driving. I believe that drivers may use hands free devices for very important calls because a driver always needs to focus his/her eyes on the road. Over half a million drivers are injured due to cell phone use while driving; I plan on making better decisions and not risking my life.

Cell phones are everywhere and have become a necessity these days but using it to the extent that it becomes a potential life hazard is a big issue. Understanding that driving requires continuous attention, we need to completely stop the use of devices that can be distracting to the drivers. The involvement of government is required to impose restrictions in order to make the roads safer. The use of cell phones can be allowed for extremely important conversations, but again nothing is more important than your life.

You are not the only one of the road, do not hurt others due to your use of cell phones.

The use of hands-free devices can lessen the risk of a car accident due to the ability of keeping both hands on the steering wheel.