Danger of Cell Phones While Driving

 Drivers have attempted to become multi-tasking professionals for years. On any given morning, it is not uncommon to see a woman driver applying mascara, eye shadow, and eye liner while driving and sipping the fresh cup of joe. It is not uncommon to have "on the go Bill" riding on the bumper, talking on the cell phone, and almost rear ending folks as he swerves past. Finally, it's not uncommon to see Daisy May, texting, smoking a cigarette, and driving with precious cargo while attempting to not hit every car that tries to get by her.

If one does not live in a state with a "no cell phone ban," do a little test. Take note of how many people seen driving are using a cell phone, and notice how they pay little to no attention to the road. Count the number, and it will be an eye opener as to how cell phones control the driver and cause them to be worse than they may already be.

For example, as I was waiting for a light to change, I noticed every person at the front of the line (at a four way stop) was on a cell phone. I then thought, I wonder how many folks are using a phone and driving. So, as the first light changed I counted. Out of 18 drivers, 15 were on the cells, and some of those on their phone were also eating, drinking (non-alcoholic beverages), smoking, or had both hands off the wheel. Perhaps, this is multi-tasking gone too far.

Cell Phones Are Another Distraction For Drivers

Most all would agree, cell phones are part of life and have become an annoying (yet sometimes necessary) distraction.  It is nice to have a cell phone, in case of emergencies or even when travelling. However, cell phones were not meant to be used as another distraction while driving. They should not be used to catch up on pointless chatter while operating a vehicle, and texting was not invented to test a drivers ability to multi-task.

Perhaps, the famous church sign photographed says it best:

"Honk if you love Jesus, Text while driving if you want to meet him."

There is no reason to text while driving, and put every one's life (including those in the vehicle) in danger just because a message is so important, the driver can't wait to pull over to respond. Any call that causes a driver to have to search for numbers or the phone, is not worth risking an accident over. Now, with the ability to get on the web, checking email and doing research while driving is another problem. Here is the thing. Drivers do not need more distractions. It will not hurt the driver to pull over or park somewhere, if needed, in order to use the phone.

Cell Phone Statistics

The age group creating the highest risk of distracted driving (especially while on a cell phone) is, the 30-39 group. This is not surprising. As people age, they get comfortable and believe they can keep multi-tasking successfully after years of decent driving. However, the most popular age group for texting and distracted driving is teenagers and early twenties. Just remember, it takes one instance of thinking everything is under control, and make one wrong move, then loose control.

"Nearly 25%" of vehicle accidents are caused by drivers using cell phones. "80%" of accidents are caused by distracted drivers, and studies have been conducted revealing that those who text are more likely to get into a serious or critical accident. Perhaps the biggest fact on why cell phones should not be used while driving, is because it takes the drivers eyes off the road and on the phone.

Enforcing Cell Phone Laws

It seems as if the only way to enforce "texting laws," is to ban the use of cell phones all together. The reason is, if a cop notices a driver on a cell phone, they have to determine if the person is texting or talking. If the person is just talking, then they really cannot ticket them (unless, there are other problems involved or if they were violating other rules of the road). This makes it hard for the law in many states to be enforced. Therefore, the only answer to reducing the use of cell phones and enforcing the law to the fullest, is banning cell phones while driving, period. The only devices that could be used, would be non-hand held devices.

Drive Responsibly

The biggest responsibility, comes down to the driver. If drivers would take into consideration the danger they place themselves and others in while operating a vehicle, maybe they would stop trying to win a trophy for the best multi-task-er in the world. It is not cool to text or be seen talking on the phone in the car while almost running off the road or rear-ending the car in front. Keep all distractions to a minimum.

If there is any concern about cell phone use while driving, please contact the local law enforcement and visit your state's Department of Transportation, or Department of Motor Vehicles, website.