When a cell phone goes off in a classroom or at a concert, we are irritated, but at least our lives are not endangered. When we are on the road, irresponsible cell phone users are more than irritating they are dangerous. One of the most dangerous distractions for drivers remains to be texting while driving. As reported by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, it is 23 times more likely that a driver will crash while texting and driving (www. http://safetextingcampaign. com).
Many of us have witnessed drivers so distracted by texting while driving that they resemble drunk drivers, weaving between lanes, or nearly running down pedestrians in cross walks. A good example of this is, while a family was driving on the highway from Boise, the car in front of them all at once swerved from their lane into the medium, losing control momentarily, kicking up dirt and debris. The family behind was startled by the situation and avoided what could have been a fatal accident. As they drove past the other driver they noticed she was on her phone while driving.
In some situations, the outcome is much more severe. This is why regulation is needed, texting while driving is dangerous, not only for the person who is texting but for others on the road. Scientific studies show that driving with an electronic device is not a safe practice and is the cause of many traffic accidents. According to the 2012 National Highway Traffic Report 18% of crashes have been linked with texting while driving. Statistics show in 2012, that 3,328 people were killed in accidents where one party was texting while driving.
In 2012 the (NHTSA) reported that there have been 420,000 people injured from accidents involving texting while driving. Those are big numbers according to the National Highway Traffic Report. A 2015 Erie Insurance distracted driving survey reported that drivers do all sorts of stuff behind the wheel including: brushing your teeth, applying make-up and even changing clothes. The survey also found that one-third of drivers admitted to texting while driving and three-quarters saying they have seen others do it as well. (www. erieinsurince. om).
There have always been distractions for drivers, but mobile phones have increased the fatality percentage greatly. Some states have passed laws about texting and maintaining hands free while driving. If people would obey texting laws, we would not lose so many people. Families are broken- hearted at the loss of loved ones when someone thinks they are in control, and chooses to make a poor decision by texting while driving. (www. fcc. gov). We have had cars for many years, that means we have had distracted drivers for as many years.
We have all been tempted to slip our hands off the wheel to answer a call or look at a text message on our phones while driving. Teens are at the highest risk for texting-related accidents. Not just teens but all drivers should minimize the risks by not texting while driving. Distracted driving has dramatically increased over the last ten years since internet, mobile phones, IPods and electronic devices have become more portable. Smartphones ownership is growing. In 2011, 52% of drivers reported owning a smartphone, and by 2014 that number had grown to 80%” (www. distraction. ov/states-resarch-laws/facts-and-statistics. html. ).
According to a national survey conducted by the ad Council, 82% of young adult drivers aged 16-24 have read a text message while driving. Additionally, NHTSA reports that 16% of all drivers younger than age 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving. State attorney’s general, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), and the Ad Council joined together to unveil to a public service announcement campaign, urging young adults to “Stop to texts and stop the wrecks”.
We need to focus on being better educated and recognize the effects of texting and driving. Some States have introduced the “Safe Texting Campaign” which encourages the reduction of texting and driving. The Safe texting campaign hands out literature at community events, as well participating in community founder’s day events where they talk to members of the community about “Safe Texting”. This Campaign also includes apps for your phone with the message display that reads:” please don’t text and drive” If obeyed, it will give us peace of mind and allows teenagers to continue enjoying their growing independence.
We must all set the standards higher for safe positive behavior behind the wheel and stop texting and driving. There have been many studies done that have proven the lack of safety. A study done in 2003 by the Psychology Department at the University of Utah showed the following: “After controlling for driving difficulty and time on task, the study concluded that cell phone drivers exhibited greater impairment than intoxicated drivers. ” Since this study the State of Utah has banned hand-held cellular devices and have a fine of $100 but up to $1,000 if bodily injury or death occurs.
2015 Utah Legislation House Bill 63). On March 21, 2016 Kaydon Sillitoe, an 8 year old boy was killed in Payson, Utah while riding his skateboard by an impaired driver. The driver was arrested and booked into jail for operating a vehicle negligently. The bail was set at $10,000. (Deseret News March 22, 2016). Better education is apparent when people follow the laws and become more attentative. We need to set higher a standard for people to stop texting while driving.
When the fines are high enough that people have a hard time paying them, then people would be better at not texting and driving. Texting and driving is one of the most dangerous distractions for drivers. Regulation is needed because texting while driving is dangerous, not only for the person who is texting but for others on the road. Although the family driving from Boise was able to avoid what could have been a fatal accident this is a good example of how tougher regulations could have kept the driver form texting while driving.
Regulation is hard to monitor but when the fines are high enough, then individuals will refrain from texting while driving. This will make individuals more responsible drivers. There are many programs available like the safe texting campaign, “Stop The Text, Stop The Wrecks” and Teens Against Distracted Driving (TADD) program whose objectives are to reach out and educate through social media, posters and community events about the dangers of texting while driving. It is not worth dying or taking someone else’s life to hurry and send a text message.
