Texting While Driving, Essay Example

The technological progress over the last few decades has been mind blowing and cell phones serve as a great example. Cell phone started as mobile verbal communication devices but now they are nothing less than mini computers in the form of smart phones. It is hard to think of personal and professional aspects of our lives that has not been affected by cell phones but even the most useful technologies may have negative costs if used irresponsibly. This is why cell phone use and particularly texting should be banned while driving.

We often overestimate our ability to multitask and underestimate the potential risks of our actions and this is evident in the behavior of drivers who text while driving. When we drive, the consequences of our actions are not only limited to us but also effects pedestrians as well as fellow citizens on the road. According to John Townsend of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, distraction for as little as three seconds can lead to accidents on the road. A  study by Transport Research Laboratory in 2008 helps us understand why texting increases risk of accident. People who text do a poor job of detecting hazards on the road and when they do, they respond more slowly. This slower reaction is often the difference between a fatal and non-fatal collision (Boyter, 2009).

The society implements laws because the benefits of certain regulations exceed the potential costs. This is why texting should be banned because the costs are easily outweighed by the benefits. The drivers are responsible for the safety of their fellow drivers as well as pedestrians, thus, banning texting also promotes greater social responsibility among citizens.

Work Cited

Boyter, Jennifer Horne. “RU DRIVING?” State News (Council of State Governments) May 2009: 12-15.