Dangers Of Texting While Driving

English Comp I

13 September 2013

Dangers of Texting While Driving

Technology has become a large part of our society. Mobile phones have become a staple to millions of people throughout the world, but with this technology comes a lack of responsibility that can cause harm to others. Texting has become a popular form of communication in the fast paced society we live in today. Texting and driving has become a growing epidemic. Statistics continue to prove how dangerous it is and why people need to be educated on the dangers.
Studies are regularly being conducted to determine how many people are texting and driving at certain times. The amount of text messages sent in the United States in December of 2012 was approximately 171.3
Currently, 41 states have banned text messaging for all drivers (“Distracted Driving Laws” 1) The State of Kansas has banned texting while driving for all drivers, but does continue to allow the use of a cell phone for talking except for novice and intermediate drivers. Kansas law states “drivers may not write, send or read a written communication” (“Kansas Cell Phone Laws” 1). This means drivers cannot manually send or read written communication from text messaging, instant messaging or electronic email. According to the FCC, “the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2010 driver distraction was the cause of 18 percent of all fatal crashes – with 3092 people killed – and crashes resulting in an injury – with 416,000 wounded” (“The Dangers of Texting While Driving” 1). The FCC also reported that the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that text messaging “creates a crash risk of 23 times worse than driving while not distracted” (1). With the increase in accidents rising, some experts believe texting and driving is becoming more dangerous than drinking and
Two of the top wireless companies having created campaigns to help educate the public on the dangers associated with texting and driving. AT&T has created a campaign called “It Can Wait” and Verizon has created a campaign called “Don’t Text and Drive.” Both of these campaigns stress that sending or reading a text message while driving is not worth risking the life of the individual involved in the texting or causing harm to others. The FCC has also started working with wireless companies, safety organizations, and government agencies, to help inform and educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving. They have also been involved with identifying and developing innovative technology to help reduce the risk of drivers being distracted with driving. The FCC states that the public can do three simple tasks to help reduce the amount of accidents caused by texting and driving: give clear instructions, lead by example, and become informed and be active (1). Parents can give clear instructions to teens that it is not acceptable to use their cell phone while driving. Parents can also set an example by not texting and driving. If the driver needs to take a call or send a text message, then they should pull over to do so to avoid causing an accident. Lastly, parents can set rules for the household to educate the family on the dangers of texting and driving. Articles are continuously being