Dangers of Using Cell Phone while Driving
Cell phone use while driving is highly controversial and a heated topic for discussion all over the world. Every year millions of people all over the world die in accidents instigated by cell phone use. Although, the dangers of talking or texting on a cell phone while driving are known to all, people turn a deaf ear to the government pleas of giving up cell phone usage while driving. It seems that people value the texts and the calls on cell phone more than their own life and several other innocent lives on road. Although, banning cell phone use while driving might have worked for some states, majority of the people are too ignorant to pay heed to the ban.
Effects of Cell Phone Use while Driving
It is a well established fact that driving requires a fair amount of concentration, judgment and precision. Impairment of any of these abilities can put you in grave danger. When you use a cell phone, your concentration is greatly shifted from road to the cell phone. While dialing or receiving a call, you are required to look into your cell phone rather than on the road, albeit for a few seconds. As you must be aware, a lot can happen within a split second, hence a time span of 3 to 4 seconds substantially increases your chances of a mishap. You may not notice a car making a lane change in front you and hit it from behind. You may not even notice a vehicle speeding towards you from the opposite end and may end up colliding heads on with it. Hitting pedestrians is the most severe culpable offense that you can commit while you are on cell phone. Using a hands free device does not reduce your chances of encountering an accident in any way. This has been proved by several studies and researches. Texting and playing mobile games while driving is an example of the most irresponsible behavior exhibited by cell phone users. Taking emergency calls is at least acceptable in certain situations, but there cannot be any justification for texting and gaming on cell phone, whatsoever!
Banning Cell Phone Use while Driving
There are several countries in the world that have banned the use of cell phone while driving. Even in the US some states may entirely prohibit the use of cell phone while driving. Certain other states may partially ban cell phone usage. Meaning, the ban is imposed only upon certain vehicles like buses and other public transport vehicles or the ban prevails only in certain areas such as school or downtown areas of residential neighborhoods etc. Irrespective of whether your state laws prohibit you from using a cell phone while driving or not, it is the responsibility of every driver to ensure the safety of others on the road along with his own. Banning cell phones does not necessarily ensure that people will refrain from using cell phones while driving. It is not possible for cops and other government officials to keep a watch on each and every driver wherever he goes. Moreover, the legal implications, fine or lengthy jurisdiction procedures cannot reverse the effects of a mishap nor can they bring back a lost life. Some people may argue that a cell phone comes to rescue while driving in emergency situations. Well in that case, you can always pull over and make the necessary calls. The laws prohibit you from using a cell phone while driving and not from possessing one. Thus, a ban can only be effective if every driver acts responsibly and starts valuing the lives of others along with his own. If that happens, there won't be even any need for a ban!
Cell phone use while driving is strictly a no-no, no matter what your state laws have to say. If you are a responsible driver, you won't need a law to keep you from abusing cell phone while driving.
