Texting and Driving

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Recommended: Use of cell phones while driving should be against the law

This paper examines the dangers that arise when cell phones are used at the same time as operating a vehicle. The paper will explore the following question of why this is a problem and why the research is important. The variables investigated are the use of cell phones while driving, whether speaking or texting, and the accidents and fatalities caused from the distraction. Data of the accidents and fatalities caused by drivers distracted by their cells phones is stated to research and further explores the age group and gender of the people involved into the accidents to uncover patterns. Possible outcomes of the implementation of laws prohibiting cell phone use while driving are discussed as well as the sampling measures used to survey and research the variables. Research indicates that despite the common sense risks, few state laws specifically banning their use exist leading to the conclusion that this is a dangerous problem. While many states are moving towards straitening their existing laws or implementing “Distracted Driver” laws, the continued implications of allowing drivers to distract themselves is growing exponentially. For example, in the State of Maine, our legislature enacted a bill, which upon approval was added into law as Maine Title 29-A MRSA, § 2119 (Distracted). This law, which basically defined just texting as a distraction, did nothing towards curbing the use of major distractions while driving. Except for newly licensed, young drivers, there is no prohibition on cell phone use while driving in Maine; however, all Maine drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. The Data, an Overview The overwhelming data describes the details of the dangers involved when people use their cell phones whil... ... middle of paper ... ...etrieved from http://www.oprah.com/health/The-Risks-of-Texting-While-Driving-Multitaskers-Beware Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (2006, Jan). Status Report. Retrieved from http://www.iihs.org/externaldata/srdata/docs/sr4101.pdf National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2010). Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Retrieved from http://www.nhtsa.gov/FARS Nugent, H. (2008). Texting while driving is more dangerous than drink-driving. Retrieved from http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/news/article4776063.ece US Government Website for Distracted Drivers. (2011). Distraction.Gov. Retrieved from http://www.distraction.gov/ Texting While Driving. (2011). Texting While Driving. Retrieved from http://www.texting-while-driving.org Distracted Drivers. 2013 What is Maine’s Law on…?. Retrieved from http://www.maine.gov-/legis/lawlib/whatis.htm#distdriver

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