Cellular Phone Use While Driving Essay Example

Paying attention while driving is a fundamental skill taught in driver's ed.  However, many drivers forget this very simple lesson and allow themselves to be distracted by conversations, the radio, eating, and most frequently, cell phones. Using cell phones in any capacity leaves drivers not able to live up to the responsibility of driving a vehicle. Therefore, Drivers should avoid having conversations on the phone because doing so impairs their ability to drive.

To begin with, a driver who is talking on a wireless phone has more difficulty performing simple maneuvering tasks on the road. Even the most minor distraction can cause drivers to have trouble focusing enough to control a vehicle. After completing a test on the distractions of cellular phones, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that “phone conversation tasks typically decreased reaction times, travel speeds, and increased lane deviations and steering wheel movements” (Helperin). These problems could potentially slow down fluid commuting on the highway, resulting in traffic backups or stressful situations. Being distracted can also break a law, which prohibits driving inattentively. “‘I think being distracted is going to cause inattentive driving, and there’s a law on that,’ said Jason Weber, community liaison officer with the Town of Menasha Police Department. ‘…I think all that stuff (including being distracted by talking on a cell phone) falls under inattentive driving’” (Thompson). Driving a vehicle comes with a significant responsibility to the driver and others that may be impacted by their inattentive driving.  It is very important that drivers avoid ALL distractions. Thus, drivers ought to avoid chatting on their wireless phones because it can weaken their focus and response ability.

Furthermore, the diversion caused by cell phone usage can result in unfortunate car accidents. Being focused on intense discussions can lead attention away from the road conditions and positions of other cars. While some may argue that talking on the phone is just the same as communicating with a passenger, an AAA research confirms that a cell phone conversation is more troublesome. “From accident statistics we know that drivers are unaccompanied about two-thirds of the time. It seems very likely that introduction of a cellular phone brings about a significant increase in the likelihood of intense phone conversations” (McKnight). Although talking on a cell phone may seem very similar to conversing with a passenger, most drivers are not going to have strongly emotional discussions with riders, whereas telephone callers may turn to more focus-consuming topics. In order to steer away from car crashes, a driver can merely turn their attention from a call to the road. 

Finally, the presence of a wireless phone can greatly increase the probability of injuring or killing a pedestrian, passenger, or fellow driver. It is important that drivers take the responsibility of driving a car very seriously; it is not only themselves they are putting in danger when they allow themselves to be distracted.  “A 2003 Harvard study estimated that cell phone distractions caused 2,600 traffic deaths every year, and 330,000 accidents that result in moderate or severe injuries”(“Driven to Distraction: Drivers and Legislators Miss Cell Phone Risks”). Those are a multitude of injuries and painful deaths that could have been prevented by drivers simply putting down their cell phones. No one wants to face the sadness involved with accidentally killing an unaware pedestrian or the consequences that follow. An example of a very bleak story was the one of Christopher Hill. He was a sixteen-year-old student who, while telling his friend about a find at Goodwill, hit driver Linda Doyle’s car at forty-five miles per hour. She died in the accident, which was caused because Hill ran a light while engaging in the conversation (“Driven to Distraction: Drivers and Legislators Miss Cell Phone Risks”).  In cases of striking a fellow driver or pedestrian, the victim’s family may file for a lawsuit or demand compensation for a loved one who is hospitalized or killed. In order to avoid unnecessary misery from taking someone’s life or wounding them, drivers the world over need to set aside their cell phones and put their full attention towards the road.

However, some people may argue that cell phones are acceptable on the road. In protest, busy conversationalists claim that handless telephones or Bluetooth technology are an excellent replacement. Many drivers assume that earpieces are a perfect alternative. “Not necessarily. Most hands-free users are using some form of headphone or earphone. These often ill-fitting devices have frequent volume problems and can themselves be a source of distraction. The IIHS reported that a driver's likelihood of getting in an accident increases fourfold when talking on a wireless phone, whether handheld or hands-free” (Helperin). Many drivers can be just as distracted by a finicky ear piece as by a minute cellular phone. The same article also condemns Bluetooth technology. “What may come as an interesting surprise is that, even if a cell phone is being used completely hands-free, the risk of having an accident doesn't seem to be reduced. Apparently, the act of conversing on the phone — not holding the phone to your ear — is the more dangerous distraction. Emotional conversations in particular seem to elevate risk” (Helperin). If cell phones are absolutely needed, such as to report unwieldy drivers or to get aid, one could just pull over to eliminate any possibility of driving poorly. When trying to defend cell phone use while driving, it is important to remember, the problem seems to be rooted not in simply holding a device, but in being engaged in conversations that require one’s full concentration.

When faced with the duty of steering cars, people should click off their cell phones so that they are able to focus more fully and avoid problems in the present and future.  No matter how experienced a driver is, distractions such as the cell phone, should be avoided at all costs.  While each driver cannot control the actions of others, they can take complete responsibility for their focus on the road by avoiding cell phones and all other distractions while driving.  Simply put, nothing is more important while driving than paying attention.  This is THE responsibility while driving.