Stop Texting While Driving, Speech Example

Imagine the United States allowing drivers to text while behind the wheel.  Unfortunately this is the case, as the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) notes only 26 states that ban this act.  Texting is quite dangerous and still prevalent, where Wilson in 2007 notes that 89% of Americans believe it is “distracting, dangerous, and should be outlawed,” yet 66% text while driving.  Today I will prove that texting while driving is dangerous, which requires a federal ban against texting while driving for the safety of all on the road.

Body

Texting while driving is dangerous.  While there are difficulties in statistical analysis of text message while driving, the AAA reports that 46% of teens are distracted by texting behind the wheel.  A Virginia Tech Institute Study found that at 55 mph, a driver texting travels the distance of a football field without eyes on the road (Hanowski); the researchers recommended banning texting for all drivers.

The potency of text messaging while driving is quite considerable.  Compared to normal cell phone use, an unreleased study found that accidents related to texting increased six times (Livadas).  One experiment from Car and Driver saw texting as more dangerous than drunk driving (LeBeau).  Researchers have demonstrated effectively the dangers of texting while on the road.

It is no wonder that text messaging while driving is more dangerous than cell phone conversations.  When we consider the time is takes to read a text message, it becomes more dangerous than something that is already distracting in that of the cell phone.  The Virginia Tech researchers in the aforementioned study gave the time a slightly above four seconds, which accounts for the distance of the football field traveled.  When we consider the inherent lack of hands-free devices for text messaging, the time taken to read a text message is quite dangerous.

The government needs to get involved in matters quickly.  The government must review the statistics and studies, such as presented here, to determine the need of a federal ban.  Essential is in the determination of appropriate punishments for such acts.  For instance, Jones in 2010 notes the current British system, where text messaging is banned, that makes use of jail time for deaths caused by such activity.

The nationwide ban on texting while driving must take effect on different levels.  The government must make for its harmonious integration with current state laws.  The public needs to be properly informed by way of support initiatives and general public awareness methods.  Individuals wishing to get involved in these matters should contact local government officials or get involved in institutions in order to push towards increased legislation for texting while driving.

Conclusion

Texting while driving is extremely dangerous.  As demonstrated from research and experiments, the government should act upon the dangerous nature of text messaging while driving immediately.  We are well aware of the risks involved in allowing the activity to continue; as a country we must act quickly.  Due to these dangers, text messaging should be banned across the United States.  Looking towards the future, the elimination of texting for drivers will save many lives and lead to better driving habits on our roads.  We can all help in this fight and enjoy the increased security once measures are put into place to protect the roads of the United States.

References

Hanowski, Richard. “Driver Distraction in Commercial Vehicle Operations.” 2009. Web. May 24, 2010.

Jones, Ashby. “Crime and Punishment: On ‘Texting’ and Driving.” Wall Street Journal. November 2, 2009. Web. May 24, 2010.

LeBaeau, Phil. “Texting and Driving Worse Than Drinking and Driving.”CNBC. June 25, 2009. Web. May 24, 2010.

Livadas, Greg. “Text Messaging Not Illegal but Data Clear on Its Peril.” July 24, 2007. Web. May 24, 2010.

Wilson, Mark. “89% of Americans Want Texting While Driving Outlawed.” Gizmodo. August 7, 2007. Web. May 24, 2010.