Texting while driving vs. drinking and driving

Texting while driving vs. drinking and driving

Distracted Drivers Should Face Harsher Penalties

We live in an extraordinary age of ubiquitous technology where information and communication is at our very fingertips. Convenience is key in this fast-paced growing society with no signs of slowing down. We carry around devices such as smartphones that allow us to search information and communicate rapidly. The desire to be connected at all times has created some conflict over the years. Consumption to smartphones causes major distractions leading to poor decision-making, especially when operating a vehicle. Distracted driving has become a significantly greater hazard than drinking and driving amongst individuals who openly acknowledge sending and reading text messages while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle and therefore, should suffer harsher penalties.
Distracted driving as well as drinking and driving both have legal consequences. It is well known that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal within all jurisdictions of the United States as well as in most parts of the world. Although punishments vary from state to state, if convicted the potential penalties could include fines, possible jail time, a license suspension, community service, and mandatory attendance at alcohol and drug education classes (DUI laws and consequences). Most would say these consequences are morally fair considering a conscious choice was made to be reckless and endanger the lives of not only themselves but others as well. In the case of distracted driving, the question surrounding the fairness of these penalties, given the similarities of choice, still remain. The increasing number of accidents and fatalities caused by distracted driving raises a serious concern as to why stiffer penalties have not yet been in effect. The maximum penalty in California for distracted driving is only 20 dollars, slap on the wrist compared to the much more severe consequences of driving under the influence when in both cases...

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