Driven to Distraction
Question:
In the article “Driven to Distraction” the author gives many options and ideas on how the government and the population should make the roads safer. Based on the reading, which way or ways to you think are the best ideas to limit the number of people using cell phones and other distracting electronics on the roads? If you don’t agree with any of the ideas in the article, what is your opinion in making our roads the safest?
Quotation:
“And in a survey of 1,506 people last year by Nationwide Mutual Insurance, 81% of cell phone owners acknowledged that they talk on phones while driving, and 98% considered themselves safe drivers. But 45% said that they had been hit or nearly hit by a driver talking on a phone.”
Talking Points:
Studies say that drivers using phones are four times as likely to cause a crash as other drivers, and the likelihood that they will crash is equal to that of someone with a .08 blood alcohol level. A 2003 Harvard study estimates that cell phone distractions caused 2,600 traffic deaths every year, and 330,000 accidents that result in moderate or severe injuries. Yet Americans have largely ignored that research. Instead, they increasingly use phones, navigation devices and even laptops to turn their car into unsafe machines for the road. I was very surprised to read about how many people, government officials, and companies advocate against the legislations for taking away cell phone use while driving. This would make the roads a lot safer place for everyone.