Essay against Ban on the Use of Cellphones While Driving
Using
a Mobile Phone While Driving should not be banned
The
debate over the dangers of using mobile phones while driving has remained
unresolved. For those who believe that mobile phone use while driving is
dangerous, the main argument is distracts drivers. Effective driving requires
great attention to details and focus on the factors that occur inside and
outside the vehicle. Also, groups that are against cell phone use while driving
cite several vehicular accidents caused by such activity. Despite these claims,
only a handful of states have banned mobile phone use while driving.
Individuals who are on the other side of the fence cite some important
arguments on why cell phone use while driving is not a precedent of a potential
road accident.
A
study conducted by researchers of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
revealed that accidents are more attributed to driver behaviour rather than
mobile phone use. The study had 108 respondents equally divided among three age
groups: 20-39 years old; 40-59 years old; and 60 years old above. Aside from a
designed questionnaire provided to each driver, the researchers also installed
an on-board sensor while respondents drive up Interstate 93. During the test
drive, no cell phones were allowed. Some of the questions asked to the
respondents include the frequency of mobile phone use while driving, cited or
warn for speeding tickets, and other traffic infractions (Zhao et al., 2012).
The
findings show that frequent mobile phone users drove faster; changed lanes often;
performed hard breaks; and did rapid acceleration. But according to Brian
Reimer of MIT, “They are subtle clues indicative of more aggressive driving. According
to Reimer, other studies have linked these behaviours to an increased rate of
crashes. It's clear based on scientific literature that cell phones in and of
them impair the ability to manage the demands of driving, but the fundamental
problem may be the behaviour of the individuals willing to pick up the
technology."
An article from the New York Times gathered
several individuals to provide their views on the issue of banning cell phone
use while driving. One of panellist, who is director for automobile testing
stated that the magnitude of distraction caused by cell phones. The panellist
cited a study done by University of Utah showing that mobile phone users drive
slower, overtake less often, and reach their destination at a slower pace
compared to non-users. Drivers who are not distracted registered average speed
that is 2 miles faster than those who use mobile phones while driving (Cooper,
2008). The panellist also suggested that mobile phone use has become a
convenient excuse when road accidents happen. Other distractions such as
eating, dinking, or listening to the radio are not explored.
Another
panellist mentioned that 80 percent of the population in the US own mobile
phones, which is a significant increase from 15 percent in 1995. Despite the
magnitude of increase, vehicular accidents have remained the same using the
years mentioned. Although this does not prove that cell phone use poses no
threat, the call to ban its use while driving has been greatly exaggerated. It
appears that with or without mobile phones, drivers have tendencies to speed up
and ignore traffic rules. Laws that aim to ban cell phone use while driving are
not practical. If such measures are done, then there is not much difference
from that to having an alcohol level of over 0.8.
Also, there are
instances when mobile phones use while driving becomes important. Such happens
when people need to respond to emergencies. Mobile phones are primarily used
for communication purposes. Cell phone use while driving if banned might show
that the government is impeding the right to communicate. The government just
needs to ensure that mobile phone users are also responsible enough. This is
done through rigorous dialogue and not those proposed legislations.
References
Cooper, J. “Drivers on Cell Phones Clog
Traffic.” News Center, University of
Utah. 2 January
2008. <http://www.unews.utah.edu/old/p/121907-2.html>
The New York Times. “Should Cell Phone Use
by Drivers Be Illegal?” 18 July 2009.
<http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/should-cellphone-use-by-drivers-be-illegal/>
Zhao, N.. Reimer, B., Mehler, B.,
D.Ambrosio, L., and J. Coughlin. “Self-reported and observed
risky driving
behaviors among frequent and infrequent cell phone users.” Accident Analysis and Prevention, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology. August 2012.
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