Dangers of Texting and Driving

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In today's technology driven world, we are constantly distracted with electronic devices such as a laptop or television or even our phones. These technological devices, while a helpful aid in our daily lives, serve as a dangerous distraction for us and those who surround us. In his piece, “Attention Deficit: The Brain Syndrome of Our Era”, Richard Restak describes the dangers of how these devices are causing for an increase in distractions in our every day lives. He also concluded that technology has caused for our attention and focus to be split beyond what is necessary in order for people to be totally safe. One instance when it is especially necessary for our undivided focus and attention to be available is when we are driving on the road. A great number of states, recently including the state of Florida, have recently implemented laws and regulations that make for it to be illegal to text on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle because of the dangers that these distractions pose to everyone on the road. Supported by the quantitative and qualitative results found in studies and research conducted by numerous organizations and groups; there is evidence that the usage of a cell phone or any other electronic device that acts as a distraction to the driver causes for a greater danger to both the driver as well as their passengers. The usage of cellular phones directly leads to the distraction of a driver which is the main cause for countless numbers of fatal accidents on the roads and streets of America. For better or for worse we are now stuck with ample amounts of technology and are almost now forced to use these technologies constantly out of necessity. Technology allows for humanity to multitask and constantly juggle ... ... middle of paper ... ... our constant attention, that should be used towards the road. Works Cited Fernando A. Wilson and Jim P. Stimpson. “Trends in Fatalities From Distracted Driving in the United States, 1999 to 2008”. American Journal of Public Health: November 2010, Vol. 100, No. 11, pp. 2213-2219. Web 25 Nov. 2013 Madden, Mary, and Mary Lenhart. "Teens and Distracted Driving: Texting, Talking and Other Uses of the Cell Phone Behind the Wheel."Pew Research Center. (2009): n. page. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. distracted-driving.pdf>. Richtel, Matt. “In Study, Texting Lifts Crash Risk by Large Margin” N.p.. Web. 24 Nov 2013. Restak, Richard. “Attention Deficit: The Brain Syndrome of Our Era.” Emerging. Ed. Barclay Barrios. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin’s, 2010. 141-163. Print.

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