by Les Zsoldos

Created on: August 31, 2007

Research has shown that those who use their cell phones while driving are more likely to be involved in accidents. The reason is that it is more difficult to concentrate on driving while engaged in another activity at the same time. To minimize the chance of an accident, cell phone use should be banned while driving.

Proper driving requires the use of both hands on the steering wheel. While using their cell phones, drivers cannot keep both hands on the steering wheel. Though they may think that they are perfectly capable of driving well while talking on their cell phone, statistics suggest otherwise.

A solution to the problem of cell phones is hand-free phones. Another possibility is simply for drivers to pull over to the side of the road and make a phone call. Drivers need to be alert at all times because road conditions can change suddenly, cars may cut in front of them, they may need to make a quick lane change, come to a sudden stop, enter a sharp curve, make a split-second decision or park in a very narrow space. In these circumstances, the distraction of a cell phone is undesireable.

Opponents of a ban on cell phones may claim that this restricts their freedom. However, other laws may also be seen as a restriction of freedom but are actually beneficial. For example, all drivers are required to pass a road test before they can obtain their driver's licences. Drivers are also required to wear seatbelts and to have auto insurance. Though this may also be viewed as a restriction of one's freedom, the reason for these laws is obvious. The use of seatbelts reduces the number of deaths and injuries on our roads. Auto insurance protects drivers in the event of an accident. Though certain laws may seem inconvenient, they are for the greater good of society.

In addition to cell phone use, other activities should also be banned while driving. Drivers should not watch TV or use a computer while they are at the wheel. Such activities are very distracting and definitely increase the risk of an accident. While avoiding these activities may seem common sense, it appears that laws are often needed to restrict drivers from activities which increase the number of accidents on the road.

Many jurisdictions have banned cell phone use while driving. They have done so because statistics have shown that cell phone use while driving increases the risk of an accident. No matter how experienced a driver is, he/she needs to be fully alert while driving. This means having both hands on the steering wheel, being aware of where other cars are, being ready to react to changing conditions and observing road conditions carefully. The use of a cell phone greatly hinders drivers' reaction times and alertness. For these reasons, it makes sense to ban cell phone use for drivers.

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