Premium Essay

What Are The Dangers Of Being On Distracted Driving

Submitted By
Words 574
Pages 3
Cell Phones and Driving
Have you ever thought about the dangers of being on the phone while driving? Not everyone does, but there are many things that could go wrong. Texting is the worst thing of all when it comes to driving. The driver is too distracted by his or her phone to see the road and their surroundings. This is one of the many things that can cause a wreck.There are many things that are bad about driving while using a cell phone. Sure, it’s helpful, but all too often, somebody messes up and ends up injured as a result. Texting is the biggest problem, mostly because the driver must divert his or her attention away from the road and their surroundings and look at their phone, only to look up and have little to no reaction time. When you look at something, you can only see what is around the item or area you’re looking at clearly. As clear as everything around you may seem, it’s actually not. Your peripheral vision is what you see outside the image field. It’s much less focused than your main field of view and it can be much harder to drive using only your peripheral view. …show more content…
Visual distractions involve things you see or hear that are in your immediate vicinity, such as a cell phone, radio, passengers, etc..Your phone, which should be left on silent, and not be answered. Even hands free calls are dangerous as it can distract you by subconsciously making you think about whatever it may be you are talking about. You should always keep your eyes on the road, as well, and texting and driving does not allow this. You cannot see what goes on ahead of you, and this is a major

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Distracted Driving Research Paper

...WHY WE SHOULD BAN PHONE USAGE WHILE DRIVING. A. General Purpose: To convince my audience that using cell phones should be banned while driving. B. Specific Purpose: Inform my audience on the many dangers of using a phone while driving, and persuade them not to use their phone's while driving. C. Central Idea: Using a cell phone always results in a distracted driver. This causes many accidents which also results in death. It's a terrible tragedy that can be so easily avoided with minimal effort. II. Introduction. Did you know that at any given daylight moment, some 13.5 million drivers are on hand-held phones? This is a fact according to a study released last week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it's a very shocking...

Words: 547 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Argumentative Essay About Texting And Driving

...later, someone called 911 to report the accident that killed Bailey and her friends” (“Texting May”) What if she had not been texting? Could these five girls still be alive today? It is impossible to say that the driver was the person sending and receiving texts messages, let alone that if she had not been texting it would have saved the girl’s lives; however, the fact that texting could have...

Words: 1560 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Distracted Driving

...Distracted Driving Driving is a big responsibility on the road ways, “Each year, more than 100,000 crashes result in injury and death involve texting drivers”, (Overton, et al). Distracted driving, such as texting while behind the wheel, is a recurring issue within the United States. Distractions are anything that requires drivers to take their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel. Not everyone drives responsibly, and accidents can happen no matter how experienced the drivers are behind the wheel. Abiding by the rules and regulations are all based upon the driver and also based on the passengers to warn the driver to not drive distracted. Although people argue that laws currently in place are sufficient, distracted driving causes death and injuries, so stricter laws and new technology in cars that monitor device usage are necessary in order to reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers....

Words: 1277 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

1302 English Paper

...23, 2015 Texting and Driving Automobile crashes as a result of texting while driving is an epidemic that has taken our nation by storm over the past decade. Whether people think they can safely type on their phone while driving, or just don’t think there is any real danger in the act does not matter. Texting while driving must be stopped. To do this our government must take action to both add uniformity to the laws and punishments bestowed on the offenders. But, it is also vital that the government provide ample educational programs in order to spread the message about the dangers of tapping the keyboard while behind the wheel. Texting and driving is one of the largest epidemics to sweep our nation. The use of a cell phone while driving is extremely distracting and dangerous to the person behind the wheel, and everyone else on the road as well. Every year, 21% of fatal car crashes involving teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 were the result of using their cell phone while behind the wheel. This statistic is expected to grow as much as 4% every year. But, this is not just a problem among teen drivers. One-fifth of adult drivers in the United States also report sending text messages while driving (“Cell Phone & Texting Accidents”). To combat this problem, the United States government much take a stronger stance and pass legislation that unifies texting while driving laws and punishments, as well as installing much more education about the dangers of texting behind the...

Words: 2307 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Texting While Driving Research Paper

...There are many accidents while driving. Most of these accidents are caused by distractions, one of the most dangerous distractions are texting while driving. Many people get injured or even killed because the driver has to answer one text. States try to fine people or imprison them just to make sure those drivers don’t do it again, but they haven’t made it illegal. In order to keep the driver, passenger or pedestrian safe, it is better to make it illegal. Texting while driving is a huge reason why there so many accidents on the road. “Texting messaging creates a crash risk of 23 times worse than driving while not being distracted” (The Dangers of Texting while Driving). This risk is big, but that's just half of it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration filed that in 2012 most distractions while driving was 18 percent of fatal crashes, wounding 421,000 people and killing 3,328 others (The Dangers of Texting while Driving). Those distractions were because of cell phone use. It also says a simple text like “I love you” can be the cause of a fatal accident (46 Important Texting while Driving Fatalities Statics). These statements support why texting while driving is so dangerous....

Words: 614 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Sp180 Principles of Public Speaking

...Student ID: AC150526 Course No. SP180.1.2 – Principles of Public Speaking Lesson No. 6 – Persuasive Speech Outline Dec 28th, 2015 TITLE: WHY BANNING THE USE OF CELL PHONES WHILE DRIVING SHOULD BE MANDATORY NATIONWIDE I. A. General Purpose To convince my audience that cell phone usage while driving should be banned nationwide. B. Specific Purpose To inform the audience of the significant danger of using a cell phone while driving, and convey the importance of “getting the word out” to enact both individual and societal change, nationwide. C. Central idea The use of a cell phone or other mobile device while operating an automobile always results in a distracted driver, which in turn has been seen to cause serious accidents, including many fatalities. These tragedies are entirely preventable, as virtually no phone call or text is so urgent that the driver doesn’t have time to pull over – or have another passenger operate the mobile device. II. Introduction 72% of drivers with cell phones report that they use them to talk or to text while driving. They are aware of the many dangerous situations and also know that it is illegal, but in most cases, discount it. A. Key point #1: Society’s reliance on cell phones. B. Key point #2: What is a distracted driver? C. Key point #3: What does it take to enforce the laws, consistently, from state-to-state? III. Body of the Presentation A. Key Point #1: Cell phones are as common and familiar to us as our wallets...

Words: 1301 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Texting and Driving

...Criminal Law August 12, 2013 Texting and Driving: It Can Wait Leslee’s life changed forever on March 4th. Leslee Henson and her husband David were involved in a terrible pedestrian-motor accident. They were not driving a car; they were simply going for a walk on a Monday morning in their neighborhood when tragedy struck. The motorist that was guilty of texting, rear ended another vehicle that struck the pedestrians. David shielded his wife, Leslee and took the death for her. In other words, he pushed her out of the way and he died while she survived and has to endure more than 5,000 stitches and staples on her head and neck. Bones in Leslee’s neck and back were broken. She had bleeding in her brain. Her shoulder was injured. The woman that caused the accident was 50 years old, late for work and was texting with her head down. In addition to all these factors, she did not have insurance which leaves Leslee with the medical bills. The car that she rear ended was being driven by a man named Fred, who witnessed David pushing his wife out the way and taking the blow for her. 1 So many individuals’ lives will never be the same because that lady chose to send a text. It has not been revealed what the message entailed but if it was that pertinent, than as a mature person she should have pulled over and taken precautionary measures. David was an amazing father, husband, uncle, and grandfather to 10 darling grand kids. Leslee did go home, two and a half weeks after the accident...

Words: 4027 - Pages: 17

Free Essay

Having Teen

...know the worries parents go through when their teens reach the driving age. In California the legal driving age is 16 years old at age 16 teenagers are not fully developed and not able to make the right decisions and safe choices while driving. Teens driving at an early age is a convenience for parents and teens alike; however, the dangers distracted, irresponsible, and reckless driving, and the poor decisions teens make are enough reason to raise the legal driving age to at least 18. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 16% of car crashes are due to distracted driving. Car accidents are the number one killer of teens in the United States. The way teenagers rely on their mobile devices today increases the risk of accidents due to distracted driving hugely. Whether they are checking a text or taking a call any time that teens have their eyes off the road it is a potentially life threatening situation. Teenagers around the age of 16 do not fully understand the danger they are creating by driving distracted they see it as just catching up with their friends or updating Facebook. Raising the driving age to at least 18 will decrease the number of accidents caused each year by distracted driving. Allowing more time for a teen to develop the skills necessary to decide to leave the phone alone will be beneficial to society, making the roads a safer place for everyone. Raising the driving age the idea is gaining momentum in the fight to save lives of teenage...

Words: 580 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

What Is Distracted Driving?

...The definition of distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving. Distracted driving can increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash. From the articles that I read what stood out most to me is on average about 5 to 6 thousand distracted driver crashes occur every year and I find it interesting that the crash rates have been staying in that 5 to 6 thousand range. My personal belief is that we could be able to bring down the number of crashes due to distracted driving if we made more of a push to educate people on the dangers of it. Also from reading the articles I found out that 10% of all crashes in Utah are caused by distracted drivers. To me that shows that our state has been able to...

Words: 381 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

School

...Brandi Williams Assignment 5: Persuasive Paper Part 3: Possible Disadvantages, Answers, with Visuals Research and Writing ENG 215 Professor Julie Davenport June 14, 2015 Should regulations regarding the use of cell phones while driving be standardized? Over the last four decades, mobile devices have become the trademark of our society.cell phones and other mobile devices have inundated our society At any given time; we can see drivers talking or texting in a moving vehicle. According to Brenner (2013), 87% of American adults and 78% of teenagers own a cell phone. The scary part is that almost two-thirds of cell phone possessorss’ are distracted by talking or texting and while they drive. This action makes distracted driving one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes (Klauer et al., 2014). Mobile technology is a great convenienceAt any given time, we can see drivers talking or texting. , but when we make a choice to talk or text while driving we put ourselves and others at risk. . Mobile devices have become the trademark of our society. I believe all drivers should be held accountable for their choices, regardless of their expertise or the place, and the governing regulations should be the same across state lines. It is a great convenience to have a cell phone. A person is in constant touch to others when equipped with one. Today’s cell phones are extremely advanced and have wonderful applications, to the point that they could replace an actual computer. When a person is...

Words: 2662 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Effects of Cellphone Use

...Effects of Cellphone Use While Driving The reason I oppose the use of cell phone during driving is because I was once engaged in a cellphone use while driving that totally distracted me as it diverted my concentration off the road. This happened to me years ago, while I was driving home from work, I made a quick phone call to my mother and at the same instant the car swerved onto the side of the street and almost hit a pedestrian crossing the road. I realized that the risk of taking my eyes off the road for a split second could cause an injury and even fatal accident. It will show the audience why this issue matters to me, and why it should to them. Using a cell phone while driving is dangerous and increases the chance of getting into a car accident. Therefore, texting ban should be implemented to reduce the number of accidents on the road. Cellular phones serve as useful convenient methods of communication. It has become an important communication tool that is used by people all over the world to keep everyone connected. However, the increase use of cellphone while driving is becoming a significant cause of automobile accidents because it decreases a driver’s awareness and attentiveness resulting in driver’s being distracted and impaired driving abilities. It is true that cell phones can also be very useful, but when automobile drivers use them while driving, it becomes a very high distractor because it distracts the driver, impairs the ability to control the vehicle and...

Words: 2566 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Social Media Addiction Distracts Drivers

...89-years-old. The elderly victim could have been someones parent, friend, or sibling who did not deserve a fatal ending to their life. A similar story, involved a young 34-year-old woman who received a prison sentencing of 10 years with a $25,000 fine for sending a text message while driving that could not wait, in result, crashed and killed her daughter and two nieces all who were in the same car. That women will serve her sentencing but will never be able to bring back her loved ones back from the accident. The constant reminders of roadway accidents ending in tragedy, such as those police reports, are widely spread across our nation. All tragic stories are disheartening to hear and think about; a reminder to play our part in keeping our roads safer. Tragedy may effect your next door neighbor or a stranger in the local supermarket; no matter who we are or what our background is tragedy exist and does not discriminate against anyone. People can make a difference to their daily living. There are those small percentage of people who has a habit that is difficult to break. For example, the habit of their constant smartphone use plays a major role in contributing to the dangers on our roadways. Inevitably our culture lives in the age of technology. Everywhere you look, everyone you hear are reaping the benefits from social networking which is healthy to so many socialites. Social networking connects to a wide range of groups from...

Words: 2790 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Texting

...journalist/author from Canada, many accidents are blamed on distracted driving and most of the distractions are caused by cell phone usage. (Mulgrew) Many drivers today have such busy lives and never have time to get the things they need to do completed in one day’s time. This leaves them to get things done while on the road. Checking emails is a top priority for Americans and since many havsmartphonees, they will do it on the road as well as send text messages.There are many laws being established to try to prevent distracted driving from happening, although they can’t completely stop it. No matter what age the driver is, under no circumstance should they be texting while driving. Texting or using a cell phone while driving is very hazardous to yourself and the people surrounding you. One reason the majority of people are against this action is because it causes a great amount of car accidents every year. (Copeland) While driving, adults and teenagers cannot resist the urge to pick up their cell phone and send a text or respond to one. When the driver hears the vibrate or ring, nothing can stop them from checking the notification on their phone. As soon as the driver’s eyes meet their cellular device, their focus on the road is drawn away. In 2009, 5,474 lives were taken and 448,000 people got injured from car accidents from being distracted while driving, says the government. (Copeland) The lives of innocent people are being taken every day due to a simple distraction. Car crashes...

Words: 1168 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Persuasive Paper Part 3: Possible Disadvantages, Answers, with Visuals

...Cell Phones and Driving – A Convenience or a Law Problem or Both? With technology constantly on the rise, a growing problem on the roads today is the use of cell phones while driving. Although cell phones are a great convenience, there are people everywhere that use their cell phones as they are traveling in their vehicles and it is dangerous. Strict laws should be developed and enforced regarding the use of cell phones while driving. Over the years, there have been a growing number of automobile accidents directly caused by a person’s use of a cell phone while driving. This action does not allow the driver to be focused on his or her driving and can potentially cause harm to himself or herself and to other people, and has proven to be potentially dangerous and sometimes fatal. It is a great convenience to have a cell phone. A person is in constant touch to others when equipped with one. Today’s cell phones are extremely advanced and have wonderful applications, to the point that they could replace an actual computer. When a person is in a dire situation, it is advantageous to have a cell phone so that help can be called immediately. Apple can pinpoint the locations of their phones, even if they are turned off. The cell phone has come a long way in just a short period of time and people who do not have one are becoming the minority. With everything in our lives, there are going to be those who will not support a law against cell phone use while driving. They will feel...

Words: 1454 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Texting While Driving

...many people who are somewhat confident that they can safely text while driving and yet there are so many people getting in car accidents or even dying over this problem. There are many people who justify their phone use by increasing following distance between cars; they hold the phone near the windshield for better visibility and only text at a stop sign or red light. There are a lot more people who own a cell phone than there were in the past decade. Most states in the US have already begun to put laws on phone use and text messaging for any one driving in those states. Many people have their ideas about why cell phone use should be banned or not and if it can be safely done with new technology. Laws against texting while driving...

Words: 1564 - Pages: 7