Texting and Driving: A Recipe for Death

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We live in a society that thrives off the latest in technological advances. In its usefulness, technology has helped to open many doors in advancing society’s way of business dealings and communications. However, most do not acknowledge the hidden dangers behind these useful gadgets. In particular, the cell phone in all its usefulness can be very dangerous in certain situations. The use of cell phones to text while driving is becoming a fast growing killer. To start insuring the safety of drivers and passengers on the road changes to our laws and informative programs are required regarding the dangers of texting while driving.
People can multi-task, but distractions can be caused by trying to do too many activities simultaneously. When a person engages in cell phone use while driving, they tend to ignore road signs and fail to keep a watch on the road, both of which are perfect recipes for a disaster. Studies by Virginia Tech Driving Institute revealed that those who resort to texting while driving are 23 time more likely to meet with an accident. (Naik). A comparative study of texting while driving vs. drunken driving statistics published in a leading car magazine in the United States revealed that texting while driving is even more dangerous than drunk driving . According to the texting while driving death, statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5,870 people died in car crashes in 2008 alone. (Naik). The same statistics revealed that 515,000 people were injured in various car crashes in the United States. In 2008, 28 percent were caused by drivers in the age group of 18 and 29, admitted to texting while driving.
Yet even while 37 percent of teens rated text messaging while driving a...

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...ng my life or the lives of others on the road. I pledge to never text and drive and will take action to educate others about the dangers of texting while driving. No text is worth the risk. It can wait.” (AT&T) This website also lets people share why they have made the decision to take the pledge, and then post it to either Twitter or Face Book for their friends to see. One of the main reasons given for pledging is the death of a loved one. This call to take action is educating many and creating awareness on the dangers that exist.
Cell phones have made keeping in touch with friends, relatives, and business easier. The downside is that we tend not to think of where we are choosing to use our cell phones. Many people resort to the use of cell phone while driving, a dangerous practice which is responsible for a significant number of accidents in the United States.

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