Cell Phone Use While Driving

1301 Words6 Pages
The average Joe is sitting in his Honda on Interstate 65 when his cell phone goes off. Of course, hearing the recognizable text message vibration or ringtone creates curiosity, so Joe thinks, “Maybe it is my friend telling me about a change of plans for tonight, or parents, or something is wrong?” Although traffic looks like it is going to be moving soon and knowing that it would only take a few seconds to respond, Joe does. Before he knows it, the Blazer in front of him stops too fast, causing the grill of Joe’s Honda to hit the back end of the Blazer. Texting behind the wheel is dangerous because it takes the driver’s eyes off the road and lowers the driver’s mental focus. Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55 mph that is enough time to cover the length of a football field. Texting while driving has become a recent issue in today’s society. Many teens, as well as adults, have formed the habit of using their cell phones while driving their vehicles. The government has begun to realize the ongoing issue that is causing problems. In trying to prevent the issue, new laws have been passed making the use of cell phones while operating a vehicle illegal. Although these laws are effective, not everyone follows these laws. The Indiana law states that drivers younger than 18 years of age are banded from texting and cell phone use while driving or operating a vehicle. The law also states that all drivers, regardless of age are banned from text messaging while driving. He fines could cost up to $500. These laws went into effect in July of 2011. Cell phone use while driving accounts for the major cause of accidents and serious crashes. The risk of having a traffic accident while using a cellular device can be almost the same as driving while intoxicated. With the advancements in today’s cell phones and the economy’s
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