...Dangers of Texting and Driving George Koudelka COM/155 February 09, 2014 Amy Hankins Dangers of Texting and Driving The letters LOL, TTYL, or just saying "Hey" have the power to cause an accident within seconds. The National Safety Council estimates that "1.4 million accidents occur every year due to people using their cell phones. 200,000 of those accidents alone are from texting while driving."(How) The popularity of mobile devices has had some unintended and even dangerous consequences. We now know that mobile communications are linked to a significant increase in distracted driving, resulting in injury and loss of life. With this said some people believe that texting and driving needs to be closely monitored because of the risk it involves. While other people think that it is alright to use the phone while driving as long as we keep glancing at the road while replying to the text. Currently there is no national ban on texting or using a wireless phone while driving, but a number of states have passed laws banning texting or wireless phones or requiring hands-free use of wireless phones while driving. This epidemic negatively affects teens and their society and should be strictly avoided. Using cell phone causes many distractions for our eyes, our mind, and our actions. It is easily possible for our eyes to slip off the road. The Tampa Bay Times claims that it "takes seconds to get eyes off the highway and takes self-control"(Cox). Therefore, instead of...
Words: 1096 - Pages: 5
...Trevor Mann John Mravik English 101-104 12/4/13 Dangers of Texting While Driving There are about 200 million people who drive on the road every day. That’s over two-thirds of the United States population, and ninety-one percent of the population owns a cell phone of some kind. Cell phones have been a growing trend since the turn of the Twenty First Century . They keep family, friends, co-workers, and people around the world connected at the push of a button. What’s startling about those numbers is, “60% of drivers use cell phones while driving” (NTSA). Driving is a daily task that two-thirds of the populations experience every day. Driving is hard enough not being distracted by cell phones. Talking on a cell phone can make a person 1.3 times more likely to get into a crash, and even worse, texting can make a person twenty three times more likely to get into an accident. Getting behind the wheel is a big responsibility. Surely the roads would be a much safer place if cell phones were either put away for the duration of the drive or if there were an app or chip put into phones that detected if they went over ten miles per hour and shut the phones down. Texting and driving may be a dangerous task, but texting at a stop light or stop sign can be understandable. These tasks are performed with the car completely stopped, but even looking down at a cell phone at a light can cause you to miss the light change and hold up traffic, thus causing the people behind you to get mad...
Words: 1579 - Pages: 7
...1st October 2015 The Dangers of Texting While Driving In todays day and age, technology has drastically increased. People seem to rely on the use of there devices more than anything. Typically, whenever and wherever, everyone is engaged in some form of technology, cell phones in particular. From pages, 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 don't even like to have conversations over the phone…they can deliver an entire thought through a simple text message. It can be extremely crucial when it comes to texting and driving. Texting and driving has been the leading cause of car accidents in the recent years, a great portion of them which have ended deadly with results. The “norm” is not safe anymore. Especially when it is done carelessly. According to Ian Mulgrew, a journalist and author from Canada most accidents are caused by cell phones. Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.8% is equal to texting while operating a motorized vehicle. Laws banning texting and driving actually increased car crash amounts rather than preventing them. People feel that responding to the outside world is more important then focusing on the road ahead of them. I’ve heard people claim they are good at driving drunk and others who boast there ability to put on makeup while driving to work. But to say you're good at texting while driving is like saying your ok to...
Words: 628 - Pages: 3
...On October 1st 2013 Florida had finally banned texting and driving. They say a first time offense is a 30 dollar fine and a second time can mean the officer can take your license for 5 years. But talking on the phone while driving is still Legal. Many states, 46, to be exact, have already banned texting while driving. It is very hard to know if a person was distracted while driving unless he or she admits to it after a crash. Around 2010 64% of people thought that distracted driving was the primary problem. so It is obvious that people are worried about it.. About 20% of teens say they text while driving with their parents and only 10% of parents admit to it. But distracted driving is not all just about texting while driving it is also eating...
Words: 269 - Pages: 2
...Driving While Intexicatied: The Dangers of Texting and Driving Have you ever been driving down the road and the car in front of you is swerving all over the road? You then become worried and you proceed to switch lanes to ensure your safety, and as you approach the car, you see that the driver is face down in their cellphone, and because of the size of phones these days, you realized that they almost cause an accident for Facebook? Really, Facebook? What happens when your friend comes to pick you up and as you guys head out for a night on the town, your friend is all consumed with texting in the middle of driving, and she inadvertently veers over into the next lane cutting a vehicle almost causing a collision? Your life could have been lost in the blink of an eye, all because of that darn cellphone. As you continue to read this paper, it will show you that texting while driving is just as dangerous and driving while under the influence of alcohol. Cellphones have been around for centuries. The modern cellphone has only had the capability for texting since 1997 when Nokia introduced the 9000i with a full QWERTY keyboard (A Brief History of Text Messaging, 2015). Since its time, the cellphone has become interactive; we now have the luxury of not even needing a personal computer, because cellphones have evolved into just that a fully functional complete communication device. Cellphones are a necessity in life and it has been proven, but not as it pertains to texting and driving...
Words: 1269 - Pages: 6
...Title: Texting and driving awareness week Name: Ashlee Young General Purpose: To persuade Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience to come together to get the university to have a week of based on raising the awareness of the dangers of texting while driving. Time: I. INTRODUCTION (Attention) A. Attention Material 1. We’ve all done it. Not on occasion but literally all the time. Once we get behind the wheel, start the car, start driving and have either received a text or sent a text while driving. B. Credibility 1. I have always wanted to raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving. I have not had a personal experience with texting and driving but for those that have had a loved one harmed or had someone close to them die due to texting and driving may appreciate the university going out of its way to get the students aware of the harm we can do while texting and driving. C. Tie to the audience: 1. I think we should all join together to get the university to make an entire week to getting the students involved in making everyone aware of the harm that can be caused if we lose focus for 5 seconds to send a text that could wait. D. Thesis and Preview: 1. Thesis Statement – I want us all to come together to get the university on board with making a week solely dedicated to not texting while driving. They can’t say no to the entire student body. 2. First I would like to...
Words: 1195 - Pages: 5
...and exchange them between mobile phones better known as texting. This trend of texting came around in late 90’s and has immensely advanced.It’s fast and it’s easy. We respond to that buzz of our phones spontaneously and tune out of our surroundings. A large number of drivers don’t hesitate to both read and respond to test messages while driving. Unfortunately texting has also become a huge safety concern when it occurs while driving. Texting while driving is a serious health issue. Multiple cases have confirmed that texting while driving is becoming a rising problem across the nation. The crashes are happening far too frequently involving both teens and adults. It has reached the point where many states have banned text messaging while operating a vehicle. While talking on a cell phone, a given user can still keep their eyes on the road and at least one hand free, where as text keeps the user’s eyes on and sometimes even both hands on the phone. Texting while you are driving takes one thing away, your vision. Everyone’s eyes are supposed to be on the road at all times. A crash could take place in just a second of you reading the message. Your eyes are the most important thing that you need while driving, a lot of harm could be caused. People today think that texting someone else is fun and necessary. When a person decides to text he or she does not realize the potential dangers that could happen. Texting while driving is not only dangerous, but it is also costly. People are...
Words: 2383 - Pages: 10
...places quicker than by taking a bus with many stops or walking. Also having the ability to text others on their cell phones speeds up the process of communication. People who own cell phones try to combine texting and driving to make personal calls or for business matters. While driving they check their emails or even go on the Internet! Texting while driving is a highly controversial issue and is discussed constantly all around the world. As a result of texting and driving, many more car accidents occur each day and because of this, research has been conducted about why people text and drive, the dangers of texting while driving, the statistics, laws in New Jersey, and ways to prevent texting while driving. Not only can texting and driving be dangerous for yourself, but it can be dangerous for others around you. When first getting your driver’s license, you are taught to keep your eyes on the road. You are taught to drive with no distractions and to concentrate on what is ahead. After becoming comfortable, drivers soon realize that they can do a lot more than just have two hands on the wheel and drive. Nowadays it is very common to see drivers glancing down at their phone or even holding it up to the steering wheel. Is this because drivers are addicted to texting while driving or is it a matter of just no self-control? Atchley’s study “Why Do We Still Text and Drive” stated, “If you are addicted to something you make irrational decisions.” For example, if you are an alcoholic...
Words: 2113 - Pages: 9
...23, 2015 Texting and Driving Automobile crashes as a result of texting while driving is an epidemic that has taken our nation by storm over the past decade. Whether people think they can safely type on their phone while driving, or just don’t think there is any real danger in the act does not matter. Texting while driving must be stopped. To do this our government must take action to both add uniformity to the laws and punishments bestowed on the offenders. But, it is also vital that the government provide ample educational programs in order to spread the message about the dangers of tapping the keyboard while behind the wheel. Texting and driving is one of the largest epidemics to sweep our nation. The use of a cell phone while driving is extremely distracting and dangerous to the person behind the wheel, and everyone else on the road as well. Every year, 21% of fatal car crashes involving teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 were the result of using their cell phone while behind the wheel. This statistic is expected to grow as much as 4% every year. But, this is not just a problem among teen drivers. One-fifth of adult drivers in the United States also report sending text messages while driving (“Cell Phone & Texting Accidents”). To combat this problem, the United States government much take a stronger stance and pass legislation that unifies texting while driving laws and punishments, as well as installing much more education about the dangers of texting behind the...
Words: 2307 - Pages: 10
...Clivio 1 Thomas Clivio Professor Marie Salamone College Writing I October 17, 2012 Dangers of Texting With the advent of the cell phone came a new means of social media and communication called texting. But with all the benefits an emerging technology can offer, we can’t always predict what the impact will be on our society. This new form of communicating brought with it its own dialogue as well as its own dangers. We’ve seen an increase in accidents caused by distracted teen drivers who were texting, a new medium of bullying in our schools, and the newest trend that’s become popular with teens and young adults known as “sexting”. As cell phones become more popular, and the age of cell phone users gets younger and younger, so will the person who will be exposed to sexting. As our younger generation gets ever more influenced by the proliferation of sexually explicit images in the media and scantily dressed celebrities, the more difficult the job of a parent will become. How many more teens need to die from texting while driving or from committing suicide after sexting provocative images before we recognize this growing problem? With the introduction of texting to our youth and the impact it has on our society, we have been presented with a whole new set of concerns and it is clear that these concerns need to be addressed. The first forewarning of the dangers this new form of communication presented, came in the increase of distracted driver fatalities. The...
Words: 1042 - Pages: 5
...Crystal Comp 1 November 25, 2013 Texting and Driving “Five seconds, is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55 mph, that’s enough, time to cover the length of a football field” (“Stop The Texts Stop The Wrecks”). Most accidents are blamed on distractions while driving. Most of those distractions are proven to be caused by texting and driving. Many teens do not realize how quick accidents can happen. When it comes to texting and driving, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. This problem, has taken our nation by storm in the last decade. Whether people think they can safely text and drive or not, this problem need to be stopped. Accidents have increased significantly since cell phones have become popular. “Using a cell phone while driving, whether it’s handheld or hands free, delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08% (“Stop The Texts Stop The Wrecks”). Texting and driving is now at a higher accident rate then drinking and driving. To me, this is getting out of hand. Teenagers and young adults ranging from age fifteen to age twenty are rated as the greatest portion of distracted drivers. Texting and driving should be banned in every state because it is dangerous, irresponsible, and there are alternatives! As previously stated, texting and driving is very dangerous. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. There is no possible way for a person to drive and concentrate...
Words: 1193 - Pages: 5
...Texting while Driving How many devastating stories have you heard about texting and driving killing someone?After hearing the stories, did you put your phone away? Did you stop texting while driving? Mostly anyones answer would be a simple "no." Texting and driving has become a fatal problem that could cause death and we must enforce a solution for it. Some states though, disagree and don't see it as a problem. There is never a valid enough reason to text while driving and risk yours and others lives. Can that text wait? It always can. The risk and regret is never worth it. As technology goes up and people are now texting more than ever, there is no doubt that texting while driving has become even more common. It has become a national epidemic. In 2011, at least 23 percent of car crashes involved cell phones. Texting while driving puts not only the driver in danger, but also everyone on the road. Texting while driving is a big temptation for teens and some don't even see it a problem. They justify it with all different kinds of things. Teens are obsessed with socializing and though they have seen the danger of texting while driving, they can't seem to find enough willpower to put their phones down. According to United States Department of Transportation, texting while driving makes a driver twenty three times more likely to crash. Using a phone takes the driver's concentration away from the road which can cause swerving and crashing putting you and others at risk for...
Words: 776 - Pages: 4
...tractor trailer, and texting is suspected to be the cause of the accident. “Cell phone records show a text message was sent from the phone belonging to the driver, Bailey Goodman, at 10:05:52. A reply was sent to her phone at 10:06:29. Thirty-eight seconds later, someone called 911 to report the accident that killed Bailey and her friends” (“Texting May”) What if she had not been texting? Could these five girls still be alive today? It is impossible to say that the driver was the person sending and receiving texts messages, let alone that if she had not been texting it would have saved the girl’s lives; however, the fact that texting could have...
Words: 1560 - Pages: 7
...Texting Should be Illegal While Driving Carlos Sosa Professor J. Votto English 112 Y February 3, 2011 Texting Should be Illegal While Driving Thesis: Texting while driving should be illegal because of the dangers brought on to the person who is texting and to other drivers. I. The first reason why it should be illegal is because this is a major distraction while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. A. Many accidents today are caused by distracted drivers. 1. One distraction is texting and the result is not seeing the car in front slam on ones brakes resulting in rear ending and possibly injuring the other driver as well as the guilty texter. 2. This distraction reduces ones reaction time as well as limits visibility for upcoming obstacles. B. There are many more dangers of texting. 1. Texting not only puts other drivers in danger but also pedestrians walking down the street. 2. Texting drivers could possibly hit children playing in school zones or in their front yard. 3. Driving through a fence and damaging private property is another possible result in texting while driving.. 4. The damage cause by texting can be permanent, “no text message is worth risking your life or the lives of those riding with you” (Grooms, 2010) II. Another danger of texting is not seeing obstacles that could seriously injure or end one’s life. A. Many of the accidents while texting are driving off the road crashing in to obstacles. B. Research...
Words: 357 - Pages: 2
...Image the consequences of texting and driving. Can texting while driving leaded to consequences? There are many consequences of texting and driving. Many reasons explain why we should not text and derived at the same time. By texting, we are putting our life and life of others is danger. We can kill someone, make more people to texts, and face consequences. Many people today and in the past lost a life of a love’s one because of irresponsible driver who is additive to technology. The danger of driving is that we use smart phones to texted, email, and call someone. More than 660,000 drivers use their smart phone while driving to text someone back or text because it quick and easy thing to do. Due, to this there are 1.6 million car crashes...
Words: 532 - Pages: 3
