Drivers should not be able to use their cell phones when driving a motor vehicle because it is dangerous for the driver and others who are driving as well. The use of cell phones takes the driver's attention off the road. They should not be used while driving because it jeopardizes the driver’s life along with pedestrians and others on the road. Texting and driving causes fatal wrecks, is a leading cause of death among teens, and is illegal in most states. The usage of cells phones can cause wrecks and are often fatal. Those who partake in texting and driving are endangering others as well as themselves. Texting causes late, delayed reactions. Drivers need all of their senses, such as hearing and sight, to drive. Studies have proven that texting and driving puts the driver at a four time’s greater risk of crash. Texting and driving causes loss of concentration and one single mistake can lead to injury and even be fatal. If the driver of a motor vehicle closes his eyes for five seconds, going at a speed of 55, the driver would have traveled the length of a football field without looking at the road. Even though texting makes communication fast and easy, it should not be used when driving. Texting and driving is the leading cause of death among teenagers. Almost fifty percent of teens admit to texting and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting and driving is six times more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. More teens die yearly from texting and driving rather than drunk driving. Texting and driving is even more risky than talking on the cell phone. The reason for that is because when a person is texting while driving, the attention of the driver’s eyes are drawn off the road. The focus is strictly on the phone and nowhere near the road. This causes the attention of the road to disappear, which makes the vehicle start to swerve over the lines and sometimes swerving into the other lane. Texting and driving removes the mind from driving, removes the driver's hands from the wheel, and removes their eyes off the road.
Many states have ruled that texting and driving is illegal. In Memphis, TN, the fine of a ticket for texting and while driving is around $225 or more. The driver cannot use a cell phone while the vehicle is moving or stationary. Although, these laws do not apply to phones that have a fixed mounting or Bluetooth devices, which allows the use of a hand free device. Some states that have outlawed texting and driving include California, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and New York. Basically, cellular devices should not be in use until the vehicle is in a safely stationary area that is out of other vehicles harm as well as the other drivers. It is in the driver’s best interest to refrain from the usage of your phone or any cellular device that takes focus off the road.
Texting and driving is a big temptation for teenagers. To most, it is rude if you do not reply within a matter of minutes, even if they are driving. No text message is worth risking your life or someone else’s. The best way to stay safe behind the wheel is to simply cut off cell phones when driving. When an emergency arises, one should simply pull over to send a text for the safety of others as well as themselves. Texting should not be done while driving because it is a distraction, can cause wrecks, and even be fatal.
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