by Dr. David

Created on: August 26, 2009   Last Updated: August 30, 2009

With all the advantages technology brings us, there are also some negative problems that are created as well. For example, if there is an error in an electronic voting system, the votes cannot be recounted. Or, the results of pollution have created a huge gap in the Ozone. We cannot fix what we have done to the Ozone, but we can fix the electronic voting systems, by not using them and instead using paper ballots, so that there is always evidence that can be recounted. Almost everyone has a cell phone, and cell phones are a necessity for some people. But, cell phones pose a major problem when driving. I believe cell phones need to be banned while driving.

First, why do people use cell phones while driving? Could it be ignorance, that even if we know we are driving distracted, we still believe we are good drivers? Sure. Is it the need to always feel socially available? Could be. Both of these inquiries could explain why we use cell phones while driving, but for every person it is different. Inside almost all of us, we know that using a cell phone distracts us from being to drive at our best, but we do it anyways because there is nothing telling us we can't. Besides denying what our conscience has to tell us, there are plenty of facts to show the negative affects of cell phone usage while driving.

Facts always tell the truth about an issue. Here are some facts about using a cell phone while driving. A Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. driver behavior survey taken in January 2007 found that 73 percent of 1,200 drivers questioned talk on cell phones while driving. Another study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that Nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds before the event, and The most common distraction for drivers is the use of cell phones (IIHS). So, majority of the American population uses cell phones while driving, and that being distracted by a cell phone while driving is going result in more crashes. Adding up all the risks and you get that Drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a crash while using a cell phone (IIHS). Now, over 40,000 people each year in the U.S. are killed in motor-vehicle accidents (NHTSA). That number can be reduced by thousands, if only we give up our right to use a cell phone while driving.

Since cell phones obviously increase the risk of death, let alone crashing, why aren't they banned while driving? Actually, in over 40 countries cell phone usage while driving is wither prohibited or restricted, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and many others. Only six states in the U.S. have laws banning the use of cell phones while driving. There needs to be an outcry for more laws.

Drinking and driving is viewed as a serious offense, but why isn't driving while using a cell phone. In both situations people consciously choose to drive dangerously. They both increase the likelihood of crashing. Not only are people risking their life while drinking and driving, they are risking the lives of the others on the road. The same thing goes for using a cell phone while driving. It is for the common good and safety of all that cell phones should be banned from drivers, just like there are laws on drinking and driving.

It is definitely clear that cell phones impair our driving ability and there needs to be restrictions put into place. Hopefully, in the coming years all 50 states will have cell phone laws. Until then, we will never know how many lives could have been saved.

*IIHS Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

*NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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