When cell phone use became prominent at the beginning of the twenty-first century, a new threat to public safety emerged: texting while driving. In 2007, 64% of US adults admitted to using a cell phone to send text messages behind the wheel despite the fact that 89% of the same group approved of laws that would ban the practice (Richtel, 242). Cell phone users, even though they are aware that texting and driving is dangerous, do so anyway. In A Deadly Wandering, released in 2014, Matt Richtel demonstrates that the majority of drivers continue to distract themselves with their cell phones because they simply cannot help it due to the contemporary and inseparable connection between technology and the human mind.
One reason why texting and driving remains an enormous problem is that drivers are constantly lured by technology. The rapid development and personal adoption of technology beginning in the 1940s with radio and television and later in the 1970s with personal computers was the foundation for an irreversible human link to technology; these devices provided entertainment, information, and tools for productivity. Beginning in the early 2000s, cell phones have become more attractive to individuals because they fulfill social needs. Humans crave connection, and mobile phones can provide it almost instantly through text messaging; with the rise in popularity of texting, mobile phone owners consider text messaging a form of communication just as normal as face-to-face
Distracted driving, the act of driving while engaged in other activities, has long been a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways. While there’s a wide range of activities that distract American drivers, texting while driving has become increasingly prevalent, as the popularity of mobile devices has risen since the 1990s (Noder, 2009). In American culture, which has become ever more dependent on cellphones, many experience the desire to always be accessible – even while on the go (Noder, 2009). This desire, motivated by both social and business objectives, leads many to use their phones behind the wheel. Eighty-five percent of Americans, a number
Statistics show that texting while driving is on the rise. In a published article, “Trends in Fatalities From Distracted Driving in the United States”, from National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2005 to 2008 car accidents involving a use of a cellular device increased by 28 percent, while drunk driving fatalities declined by 35 percent. In today’s world, many people are becoming attached to their phone, and they cannot put it down for 30 minutes. A study completed by Pew Research Center showed that 59 percent of young adults ranging from 18 to 34 years old are the most likely to text and
Although people of all age-ranges use their smartphone device daily, people are more concerned of those who are younger. Adults born before the 2000s were raised in a world and society that was not technology based, so seeing the first generation to experience it can be unsettling. It is quite evident that almost every teen has a smartphone, and will use it at any given opportunity. The problem is teenagers actually use it anytime, even if the time is not appropriate. Many teens from the ages sixteen through eighteen are receiving their driver's license, but have a hard time not using smartphones while driving. This causes great dangers to everyone else on the roads. In some cases, people have been in accidents caused by people texting while driving. Unfortunately, many individuals have lost their lives because of someone texting while driving. In Turkle's’ piece “Growing up Tethered” she includes student testimonials such as Roman’s. “Roman, eighteen, admits that he texts while driving and he is not going to stop. ‘I know I should, but it’s not going to happen. If I get a Facebook message or something posted on my wall . . . I have to see it. I have to’” (Turkle 236). Though teenagers are very aware of circumstances when texting while driving, that still does not stop them from doing so. The constant “need” of being connected with friends and others on social media is what keeps teenagers from not
Where has technology taken us that even while driving people have to be texting? Although texting while driving has become a disaster for many families and killed many people’s lives, it was first seen as a great way to communicate when driving. Over the years humans have adapted to doing many things that we see everything normal and do not stop for a second to realize that it can harm us or others. Most people don’t realize that it only takes three seconds of distraction for an accident to happen. Texting while driving is one of the things that has harmed families, and split apart, killed, and maimed. Even the perpetrators may never be able to forget the terrible harm they caused for three seconds of mindless
In today’s day and age, technology has drastically increased. People seem to rely on the use of their devices more than anything. Typically, whenever and wherever, everyone is engaged in some form of technology, cell phones in particular. From pagers, to car phones, to initial “flip-phones”, and now to smart-phones, people practically use up most of their daily time with these devices. Nowadays, a lot of people doesn’t even like to have phone conversations…they can deliver their entire thought through a simple text message. In some retrospect, that’s a very good thing; in others, it can be extremely crucial, especially when it comes to texting and driving. Texting and driving has been the leading cause of car accidents in the recent years,
In my research I realized that one possible reason why so many people choose to text while driving is due to new advancements of text message technology. Consumers are always looking for more efficient ways to consume technology, and text message technology is no different. This ties in directly with the theme of
It is obvious that texting and driving is extremely dangerous, but the majority of drivers continue doing so. Even with all the stories of disastrous car accidents transpiring as a direct outcome of distracted driving, teens and adults are still texting at the wheel. According to a survey put together by OnlineSchools.com in 2011, “23 percent” of all auto collisions “involved cellphones” which equates to 1.3 million crashes. Troubled Americans have taken up the fight against this epidemic. Forty-one states have outlawed texting while driving, and police are experimenting with increasingly aggressive enforcement strategies. Advocacy groups are using PSA’s and ads to really show the American people the ugly truth of texting while driving. But treating the problem of texting and driving simply as a fact of public awareness isn’t the right way to approach it. Most people know they shouldn’t do that. The survey did by OnlineSchools.com showed that “94 percent
In 2013, over 420,000 people in the United States were killed or injured in a car accident due to distractions like texting. The use of cell phones has become the most debated issue in driving. Many whom text or call others while driving know that they are endangering not only themselves but others surrounding them. With knowledge of their malpractice, several decide to use their phones anyway, wreaking havoc on our technologically inclined society. Over the last ten years, the role of the cell phone has grown to a necessity. People who don't have access to or don't own cell phones have been severally "handicapped" in the world today. Unfortunately, millions use their cell phones while driving. According to Michael Goodman, 90% of people who
Do you remember what your mom said when you got your first car? Besides “Wear your seatbelt!” or “Don’t speed!” She probably also said “Don’t text and drive!” Texting and driving is dangerous, and kills thousands every year. There are many things that make it dangerous. First of all, it is one of the leading causes of car accidents and fatalities today. Second of all, it takes your attention off of the road Third of all, not only do you put yourself in danger but others as well.
Texting and driving has become a recent issue in today’s society. Many teens, as well as adults, have formed a habit of using their cell phones while driving their cars.
I. ATTENTION getter: Can you remember the last text you sent? Was it important enough for you to risk your life and the life of others on the road with you? The people that have been injured in texting and driving accidents would tell you probably not; and the people that have died in texting and driving accidents wish they were still here to tell you it absolutely was not important enough.
Over 3,000 fatalities per year are caused by texting and driving. Texting and driving puts the motorists in a dangerous scenario. The risk of texting and driving are endless. Young and immature motorists are oblivious to the hazards that are wrapped around texting and driving. But motorists that are older and more mature still text and drive too. Texting and driving puts the life of the driver and the passengers in jeopardy.
Most people text and drive, knowing the danger and consequences behind the act of doing so. The dangers that drivers face while texting can be extreme. While being distracted on the phone, the driver may not realize that the car in front of them has stopped, continuing to drive may cause a wreck. Distracted drivers do not often realize the danger they are putting themselves and others in by being on the phone at the same time they are driving. If a wreck was caused while texting and driving, people could be killed and/or jail or prison time can be permitted to the person , who caused the wreck. When in the car put down the phone and focus on the road.
Cellphone use whilst driving provides a challenging problem for authorities to solve. Part of why cellphone usage on highways has been hard to stop is because not only is it addictive, but it also bypasses judgement centers in the brain. According to a CNN article, “Willpower alone won't solve the problem”, and this proves to be all too true. (Wallace) A poll by AT&T finds that while 98% of commuters know sending texts and using handheld devices while driving is not safe, 43% of adults and 49% of teenagers still admit to texting and using handheld electronic devices whilst driving. ("Nearly Half of Commuters Admit to Texting While Driving")
“Answering a text takes away your attention for about five seconds. Traveling at 55mph, that's enough time to travel the length of a football field.” (CDC).