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.

What is Worse than DUI?

Texting while driving is the act of sending messages on a cellular device while operating a vehicle. This act is starting to cause more trouble on the highways than most people can imagine. It has become so bad that the statistics are declaring that it is worse than drinking while driving.

The statistics based their reasoning off of the driver's reaction time and whether the driver is impaired or not. It is obvious that the driver is impaired. The driver is not devoting all of his attention on the highway and his surroundings. I have seen many people drifting out of their lanes because they were focused on their phone. Even though, all the evidence is available, many drivers are constantly guilty of this act.

Laws are being made to avoid this deadly act. Texting while driving should be ban all over because there are too many innocent people losing their lives, due to someone else's stupidity. However, not all of the states have banned the act.

Many people probably think that it is hard to get caught while texting. Drivers say, "I am looking down, but that does not mean I am texting." They may also say, "I know I drifted off out of my lane, but I was not texting." Polices know because the driver has the tendency to drive slower or drift out of the lanes. Some driver are talented enough that they can text without looking. However, the same effects still occur.

It is best not to multi-task while driving. Keep all of your focus on driving carefully. Texting while driving can lead to devastating accidents that does not have an explanation to what happened. Hopefully, the offenders will soon comprehend the consequences and care more about their lives. Think before you act!

KEEP YOUR HANDS ON THE WHEEL!!

In response to my second post of my blog, I agree that it is very hard for the law of banning texting while driving to really be enforced. How would police officers know and really have proof that people are actually texting while driving? As Kendall Baxter commented on my last post that, police officers state that drivers are more discreet now. This is very true, they can never really tell whose texting or not, being that people dont hold their phones where they could be seen. Sen. Abel Tapia, D-Pueblo stated, " I think the law is largely symbolic. The whole purpose of the law is to bring awareness to the fact that people need to pay attention while they are driving." This law is only being enforced to provide people with safety and protection on the road. Why not obey it? Therefore, there are alternatives or solutions to help decrease the rates due to texting while driving, or even talking on the phone while driving. Bluetooth is one alternative for talking while driving. Why not use it? Now there is a more advanced device brought about called the, FDIHandsfree or FDI voice. In using this device you can, send and receive emails, text messages, make phone calls, and more, all without using your hands. These both are great alternatives that can help reduce crashes and save lives. So I say, think twice before picking up the phone and talking or texting while driving. It's your life in danger.

KEEP YOUR HANDS ON THE WHEEL!!

In response to my first blog, I agree with the both of you. It is ridiculous Tamara, and laws would be extremely helpful, Owen. Therefore, there is a law that was taken into effect on July 1st to ban texting while driving. This law was enforced to decrease the hazard of accidents and deaths. According to CBS, 30 states, including the District of Columbia partake in this law and banned texting while driving . Although, according to CBS again, the ban is not being very effective. To be honest with you Owen, no I don't think there is a way that police officers could actually enforce this law. I think that everyone should obey the law and not text while driving out of spite just because there is a law banning this. Many are putting their lives at stake when not obeying this law. According to an article on texting while driving, 5,870 people died in car crashes in 2008 due to texting while driving, compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Also, according to the same article, adults outnumbered teenagers in texting while driving, 47 percent adults and 34 percent teenagers. This article shows the many statistics of texting while driving. There are many alternatives and ways to avoid the deaths and accidents that occur, only if people will use them. What is one way you think that can help decrease the rates of deaths due to texting while driving?

What is Worse than DUI?

In my first blog, I discussed what dangers there are with texting and driving. Statistics were even brought to further show that drinking while driving is not as riskier than texting while driving. Chris is shocked at this fact. However, Mr. Pye does not agree with this fact. Now, my question is are you referring to the standard drinking limit or excessive drinking?

I have continued to read articles on the issue. Articles such as Texting while driving is more dangerous than drink- driving, Is texting while driving really worse than drunk driving?, and Texting and Driving Worse Than Drinking and Driving show that texting while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving. In addition, the video that is provided on the Texting and Driving Worse Than Drinking and Driving further shows why texting and driving is more riskier than drinking while driving. On the video, it uses the legal amount of alcohol to display an accurate presentation of why one act is more dangerous than the other. One article states that it is not more dangerous because the driver does not stay impaired the entire time like a drunk driver does. This statement is true. However, it only takes a second for an accident to occur. Also, if the driver is texting, then he is, more than likely, going to receive a text back. If this occurs, then he is distracted trying to get his phone and reply to the text; therefore, this causes for his distraction time to increase, as well as his reaction. According to Christopher Neiger's article, texting while driving is more riskier mainly because the driver's eyes are not on the road which lowers his ability to react to changes occurring on the highway. Based on the information provided in the articles, I will continue to say that texting while driving is more dangerous than drinking while driving. Furthermore, to discontinue both acts, many laws are being enforced. We are familiar with the D.U.I. laws, so lets focus on the laws that are being enforced about texting and driving.

"The operator of every vehicle, while driving, shall devote their full time and attention to such driving", says the Oklahoma Governor. There are two laws concerning the act of utilizing a cellular device and operating a vehicle. The first law is the primary enforcement cell phone law, and the second law is the secondary enforcement cell phone law. There are differences between the violations of the two laws; however, they have a similar consequences. The law says that the driver can be pulled over and given a ticket. The laws will not immediately stop the act, but hopefully, it ends it sooner than later. Make wise decisions! What would you do to save lives and save money?

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.

What is Worse than DUI?

Text messaging, also known as texting, was a great invention. It is very easy, and it even saves minutes for some people with their cellular phone plan. Texting has become an addiction to many. As a result of texting, people refuse to talk on the phone anymore. Lets face it, we all love this advantage. However, it can be harmful for many. Some people cannot even stop to evaulate whether their life mean more than a text. Many drivers choose to text and drive.

Texting while driving, is it really necessary for you to do? Texting while driving is an act consisting of reading or sending messages on a mobile device while operating a vehicle. This is becoming a common act for different ages and ethnicities. According to the 35 Percent Admit to Texting and Driving, more than 26 percent of drivers admit to doing this dangerous act. Young drivers make up 62% of the people that text while driving. Surprisingly, the elderly people make up 17 percent of the offenders. Many of the drivers do this act carelessly, not analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of texting while driving.

The only advantage that is associated with the act is making sure that the important message travels to the person that is anticipating on the message. The text message is so important that the disadvantages of doing the act are not thought of.

When the driver texts while driving, he is not concentrating on what truly matters, which is making it to his destination safely. The driver's concentration on the highway/ road is broken, and it can easily cause an accident. It has been shown that an accident can occur when the driver looks at his phone for as little as 5 seconds. Moreover, a texting driver travels more feet, than realized, before his car stops. "You are 8x more likely to get into an accident if you are TEXTING while driving". This supports my claim very well. Many accidents that are happening today are caused by texting and driving, rather than drinking and driving where the drivers are 4x more likely to get into an accident if they are drinking and driving.

Since texting causes slower reaction, is it really that important that you text while driving? Would you really risk not only your life, but others, to send a simple message? To you- your one word, two words, or even three words text may mean the world; however, I guarantee the world will not agree when they hear about the devastating accident that you have caused. Think about it drivers!

KEEP YOUR HANDS ON THE WHEEL!!

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When the luxury of texting was brought about it was something everyone had and wanted to learn to do. I wouldn't know what I would do without it. It really comes in handy at times. Texting has made communication so much more conveniant and easier with its many different abbreviations. Be honest, it was the best thing anyone could have ever thought of, we all love it.

However, by it being so much more time consuming, this started people to text while driving without knowing the many dangers. This is the cause of the many accidents and deaths that occur today. According to International Business Times, 16,000 were killed in the US between the years of 2001 and 2007, all due to texting while driving, according to federal data. (http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/66405/20100928/texting-while-driving-road-accidents-in-us-texting-and-driving-road-accidents.html)

Many people put themselves, along with others at risk when texting while driving. People also feel the need that the message received is much more important than their lives, as well as others. Well they are wrong, it is a serious distraction. Texting while driving impairs your ability of being alert and focused on the many things around you. For this reason, you should wait until you have reached your destination or even put you phone on silent to avoid the urge of looking at the message.

So, the next time you are on the road think about the many people lives you are putting at stake. Keep your hands on the wheel and off the phone. Is the message so much more important than your life and others?