Texting While Driving Ban As Good As Invisible

I agree with Shian, that texting while driving and drunk driving are both equally dangerous because it can result in the loss of one’s life. Shian also proposed the question “is technology promoting texting and driving by making these different applications?” Yes and no. Yes because in a way these new applications are making it easier and “safer” to text and drive but at the same time, the application can be used other times not only when driving. In conclusion, different states are taking the first step towards making the roads safer by passing no texting while driving bans, but as Dimitri said “it would be better to put a complete ban on cell phones while driving.” For example in Georgia, anyone over 18 can talk on the phone, which is also a distraction. This article quotes that US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood released a statement saying “his department did a research showing that distracted driving laws could, in fact, reduce crashes.” I agree but the laws must be stricter.

Texting While Driving Ban As Good As Invisible

After reading a few blogs and even doing some research, I realized many people believe texting while driving is very dangerous, even more dangerous than drunk driving. At first, I was like how could this be? Because drivers are under the influence and their judgment is impaired. According to this article, your ability to react is slower. I think texting while driving is becoming so dangerous because states have banned it; therefore, it’s harder to text without getting caught. But like Kia Hill stated in her response to my blog, there are alternate ways around this ban. For example, she can download an application for her phone where the text message is read aloud and she doesn’t have to touch the phone, this is probably safer, but it can still be dangerous. Because of the effects of texting while driving and there are ways to still do it, the consequences should be more harsh or the ban should be re- written to fix the loop holes, and actually stop drivers from texting while driving or atleast thinking twice before they do it. This video shows the effects of texting while driving and drunk driving.

Texting While Driving Ban As Good As Invisible

Everyone from pre-teens to grandparents is texting. Texting is the easiest and fastest way to stay connected with friends, family, and the world. Texting while driving has been the cause of many accidents involving teenagers and is even considered “the new drunk driving.” On July 1, the no texting while driving ban went into effect in Georgia. The law states that it is illegal for anyone to read, type, or send a text message, but adults can use the keypad to dial a number. If caught the fine is $150. The purpose of this law is to reduce the number of accidents caused by texting, right? Wrong!

I am guilty of texting while driving, I am happy that this ban has been put into effect. There have been many cases where I was caught up in a text message that I almost caused an accident or I missed a green light. However, I have many issues with this law because I think it was poorly written; first I don’t understand how it is enforced, but according to this Atlanta Journal- Constitution article if seen “driving recklessly,” the driver will get pulled over. In some instances, I’ve seen police officers texting behind the wheel, so why should others take the law seriously? Second, texting while driving is considered distracted driving, but doing anything in one’s car besides steering the wheel is a distraction, such as adjusting the radio, talking on the phone, or talking to passengers. Also, allowing adults to dial on the keypad is just as dangerous. Third, if texting while driving is considered ‘the new drunk driving,” making it illegal to drive while under the influence doesn’t stop teenagers or adults from doing it, so what makes this any different? At least, with drunk driving a breathalyzer test can prove that drivers were drinking, but police officers will have no proof if drivers are texting. Last, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute, this ban has not reduced the number of car crashes, and in some places, it has increased it. Fernando Wilson, an assistant professor at the University of North Texas did a study showing that texting while driving increased car accidents by more than 16,000 between 2001 and 2007, which proves that this is definitely a major issue. In contrast, a recent study from the Automobile Club of Southern California, “found that texting while driving doubled in California after the state implemented its January 2009 texting ban and drivers who do adhere to texting bans might be replacing one distracted driving behavior with another.” If you can’t walk and text, please do everyone a favor and DON’T text and drive. Remember: NO text message is ever that important to take someone’s life away.