Weekly Analysis 2

I decided to focus my weekly analysis on the issue of texting while driving. If you drive down many highways, you will see signs that discourage people from texting while driving. Some states have gone as far as passing laws against the use of cell phones on the road period. However, that is not to say people will actually abide by those rules. There have been times, when I have seen people, texting, talking on the cell phone while putting on makeup and driving. I have also seen people, staring down at their cell phone keyboards and their hands in most cases are not even close to the steering wheel. And then there are the “crazy ones”, who like to "sext" and drive. “Sexting” is a new teen word for sending revealing pictures to your significant other. I keep trying to imagine how they do it. But, how do you text in a moving car? I guess they guide the steering wheel with their knees, while holding the blackberry, droid or smart-phone in their hands. The driver's eyes must flit back and forth between the road and the cell phone's screen. I really don’t have problem with this, as long as these maniacs are posing danger only to themselves, but that is not usually the case. (Van Osdol, 2007), states that, “A recent insurance survey found that teens say texting is their #1 distraction on the roadways. Another recent study found that over one-third of all young drivers send text messages while driving, with one-fifth of all drivers texting at the wheel of their cars”. There have been too many innocent lives lost on our highways due to this silly habit of texting while driving. I believe that the human mind is most effective when it is focused on one task, not two and let alone three or four at the same time. I also feel that driving, is a very difficult task to undertake. It doesn’t matter how good you are at driving, even Nascar drivers, can attest to the fact that, it is safer to focus on the road than juggle between driving and texting. The main issue is that, when driving you have to look ahead, behind and sideways because while you may be a safe driver, the person in front of you, behind you, or on your side, may not necessarily be as vigilant. Defensive driving taught me to always assume, and anticipate the other driver’s actions. Now, how can you possibly watch all four sides of your car, text and drive at the same time? It is just not realistic, and I feel that, all states will at some point be forced to enact laws to outlaw texting while driving.




References:

Van Osdol, P., (2007): "Team 4: Driving, Texting Just Don't Mix Well." WTAE Channel 4 Action News. May 2, 2007.