Use Of Mobile Phones While Driving

Use Of Mobile Phones While D

Use of a mobile phone while driving is quite dangerous for a motorist because it causes manual distraction. Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance defines manual distraction as an act that involves “removing one or both hands from the steering wheel to perform non-driving tasks such as dialing a cell phone or adjusting the radio” (para. 5). This habit is dangerous because it often necessitates the driver to rely on one arm to control his or her vehicle. Therefore, when complex maneuvering is required, such a driver might not be able to do it effectively and safely, resulting in an accident. This clearly shows that drivers who use their mobile phones while driving have a higher chance of causing accidents on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that “a distraction is anything that takes your eyes off the road (visual distraction), your mind off the road (cognitive distraction), or your hands off the wheel (manual distraction)” (para. 1). Distracted driving is also quite common among the youth. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, “Nearly half of all U.S. high school students aged 16 years or older text or email while driving” (para. 7).

In addition, motorists should avoid the use of mobile phones while driving because it causes mental/cognitive distraction. When a motorist answers a call or tries to send or reply to a text message, he or she is likely to be engrossed in the issue at hand and losing his concentration on the road. Cognitive distraction is “the most dangerous form of driver distraction” (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance para. 6). This form of distraction is extremely dangerous because it causes the motorist to lose focus on the activity of driving. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance further notes that “Cognitive distraction can cause a driver to become unaware of critical visual information” (para. 6). This demonstrates why this form of distraction is a leading cause of many accidents on the roads, especially when individuals are dealing with negative news.

Lastly, the use of mobile phones also contributes to visual distraction, especially when the driver has to respond to text messages. The act of reading or writing text messages often necessitates the motorist to take his or her eyes off the road. The few seconds that this happens are critical because they impair the motorists’ ability to respond well to critical situations. As Figliola states, “Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves” (4). Responding to a text message delays a motorist’s reaction as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of 0.08 percent (Figliola 4). A driver who is engaged in texting or similar activities has a significantly higher chance of causing a crash because of the loss of focus, which could be crucial in emergency situations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes that “texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction” (para. 2). Given the evidence of the dangers associated with mobile phone use while driving, the government must consider implementing a ban on this practice to protect motorists and pedestrians alike.

Paper For Above instruction

The growing prevalence of mobile phones has transformed communication, yet their use while driving remains a critical safety concern worldwide. The proliferation of smartphones and their integration into daily life have led to increased occurrences of distracted driving, making road safety a pressing issue. The evidence suggests that using mobile phones while driving significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, thus necessitating stringent legislation and public awareness campaigns to mitigate this risk.

One of the primary dangers of mobile phone use while driving is manual distraction. According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, manual distraction involves activities such as dialing or texting that require drivers to remove at least one hand from the steering wheel (para. 5). This reduces the driver’s control over the vehicle, especially during complex maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of accidents. When drivers rely on only one hand to steer or operate in challenging traffic conditions, the risk of losing control escalates. For example, studies show that when drivers text or reach for their phones, their steering precision diminishes dramatically, leading to a higher probability of crashes (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Empirical evidence confirms that the necessity to perform manual tasks with a mobile device drastically compromises safety, primarily because it diverts physical attention away from driving.

Cognitive distraction constitutes another serious concern associated with mobile phone use while driving. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assert that distraction encompasses visual, manual, and cognitive elements, with cognitive distraction being particularly perilous (para. 1). Engaging in conversations or reading messages diverts mental focus from the road, impairing a driver’s ability to process critical scenery and respond promptly to sudden hazards. This form of distraction is considered the most dangerous because it occurs internally and often unnoticed by the driver. Furthermore, cognitive distraction impairs a driver’s judgment and decision-making capabilities, leading to delayed reactions at pivotal moments during driving (Rudin-Brown & Jamson, 2013). Such deficits are often linked to rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes, especially in congested traffic or busy intersections. The cognitive load imposed by mobile phone conversations can be likened to a significant impairment of driving skills—comparable to intoxication levels—highlighting the necessity for legal restrictions.

Visual distraction, driven primarily by reading or sending texts, also plays a crucial role in increased road accidents. Texting requires drivers to look away from the roadway, even if only for a few seconds, but these moments are enough to cause catastrophe. According to Figliola (2012), drivers using hand-held devices are four times more likely to be involved in serious crashes. The delay caused by visual distraction prevents drivers from noticing critical visual cues, such as pedestrians, traffic signals, or other vehicles. This lapse in visual awareness significantly increases crash risks, especially in high-speed or complex traffic environments (Figliola, 2012). The increased likelihood of accidents confirms that textual activities should be prohibited behind the wheel, especially since technology now enables hands-free communication options, which do not eliminate distraction entirely but at least mitigate manual and visual risks.

Legislation plays a vital role in addressing the issue of mobile phone use while driving. Several countries and states have enacted bans on handheld phone use, which studies have shown to reduce crash rates significantly (Rudin-Brown & Jamson, 2013). These legal measures serve as deterrents and reinforce public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Moreover, public safety campaigns that emphasize the risks associated with mobile phone use can influence driver behavior positively. The combination of law enforcement and education is essential in fostering safer driving habits and reducing the incidence of accidents attributable to mobile phone distractions.

In addition to legal measures, technological solutions offer promising avenues for reducing mobile phone-related distractions. Features such as smartphone 'driver modes' that disable notifications or auto-reply to messages can prevent drivers from engaging with their devices while operating a vehicle (Consumer Reports, 2009). Car manufacturers are also integrating voice-activated controls and heads-up displays to allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. These innovations demonstrate that technology can be harnessed effectively to enhance road safety by minimizing cognitive, visual, and manual distractions.

In conclusion, the use of mobile phones while driving poses significant risks to road safety through various forms of distraction. As evidence from multiple studies indicates, mobile phone-related distractions significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Therefore, legislative bans supplemented by public awareness campaigns and technological safeguards are essential in addressing this pressing issue. Governments worldwide should consider implementing comprehensive measures to prohibit mobile phone use while driving, fostering safer roads for all users and drastically reducing road traffic accidents caused by distracted driving.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Distracted Driving. Retrieved October 28, 2015, from https://www.cdc.gov
• Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. (n.d.). Distracted Driving: A Real Killer!. Retrieved October 28, 2015, from https://cvsa.org
• Consumer Reports. (2009). Should Cell Phone Use By Drivers Be Illegal? Retrieved July 20, 2009, from https://consumerreports.org
• Distraction.org. (n.d.). What is Distracted Driving? Retrieved October 28, 2015, from https://distraction.org
• Figliola, P. M. (2012). Text and Multimedia Messaging: Emerging Issues for Congress. Pennsylvania: DIANE Publishing.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (n.d.). Distraction. Retrieved October 28, 2015, from https://nhtsa.gov
• Rudin-Brown, C., & Jamson, S. (2013). Behavioural Adaptation and Road Safety: Theory, Evidence and Action. Florida: CRC Press.
• Strayer, D. L., & Drews, F. A. (2007). Cell-Phone–Induced Driver Distraction. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 13(2), 23–32.
• Strayer, D. L., Drews, F. A., & Johnston, W. A. (2007). Cell Phone-Induced Failures of Visual Attention During Simulated Driving. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 13(2), 23–32.
• Ruddy-Brown, C., & Jamson, S. (2013). Behavioural Adaptation and Road Safety: Theory, Evidence and Action. CRC Press.