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With cell phone use consistently on the rise for the past two decades, there has been increasing controversy over whether or not their use while driving should be banned. The fact that cell phones have been linked with an increase in auto accidents cannot be disputed. However, banning their use is not necessarily the best solution.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, 80% of crashes and 65% of near crashes involve some type of driver distraction. Cell phones are one of many possible distractions. Other distractions include passengers in the vehicle, drowsiness, other drivers on the road, and participating in non-driving activities, such as reading a map or changing stations on the radio.

The answer to the use of cell phones while driving in many cities and states has been to require the use of a hands-free device. There is no evidence to show that this is a safer alternative. Additionally, studies exploring the dangerousness of cell phone use while driving have yielded widely mixed results.

Lawmakers are left with the task of finding an effective solution. The solution is twofold. First, law enforcement officers should be on the lookout for drivers who are distracted to the point of compromising safety. This might include taking ones eyes of the road for an extended period while talking to passengers, swerving while changing radio stations, or tailgating while eating breakfast. Second, cell phone manufacturers should strive to improve safety features on cell phones, such as voice activated commands for dialing and answering the phone.

The reality is that driving is the ultimate multi-tasking activity, and people have a tendency to engage in other distracting behaviors when driving. It is not feasible to ban all distractions. We cannot ban people from talking to passengers in their car or putting a CD into the CD player. This is why it is paramount that individuals who become too distracted are held accountable. Banning cell phone use while driving is a temporary, ineffective solution that may lead to a false sense of safety on the road.

Learn more about this author, Nicolette Romero (nom de plume).
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