American National Government, Research Paper Example

Overview

This paper is in support of Alabama SB144, prohibiting texting while driving. The recipient of the letter is Alabama Representative Terri Collins of the 8^th district.

Recipient

Representative Terri Collins of the 8^th district of Alabama is the person I chose to send the letter to. There are various reasons I feel she is a good choice. She is from my home town, and it has been widely publicized over the last few months several high school students died in car wrecks due to the driver texting. She is a mother of 3, I felt as a mother she would have strong feelings regarding this issue and her children’s safety..

Issue Summery

This letter is in support of Alabama SB144 prohibiting texting while driving. I felt compelled to choose this topic due to recent deaths in my area resulting from driver’s texting. During my research I discovered studies that showed how dramatically a drivers ability is impaired if texting. The studies went on to state that a drunk driver has less impairment driving than a driver who is texting. I found that fact to be completely astonishing.

Relation to the Course

This relates to American National Government in several ways. It addresses safety issues on all roadways, but it also addresses the right of individuals. Does the government have the right to control an individual’s actions regarding how and when they use their cell phone?

Conclusion

Alabama SB144 introduced by Senator Jabo Waggoner, prohibiting texting while driving is designed to make our roadways a safer place to travel. My letter was written to Representative Terri Collins asking her to support the bill. My hope is that by passing this bill there will be less deaths and injuries due to the recklessness of drivers texting while they driving. I supported my view with research into studies and statistics dealing with how texting impairs an individual’s driving ability.

References

Devine, J. (2012) Texting and Driving Statistics. Retrieved from http://textinganddrivingstatistics.com/

Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association. ( 2012,February17) ALABAMA S.B. 144 – Driver Distraction, Sponsored by Senator Jabo Waggoner . Retrieved from http://prod.mema.org/Main-Menu/Industry-News/Washington-Insider/February-14-2012/Alabama-Alaska-Hawaii-Idaho-Illinois-South-Carolina-Utah-Virginia-and-Wisconsin-Driver-Distr.html