Cons on Cellphone Usage While Driving

Sara Shaddix

Ms. Hunter

English 11

March 22, 2011

Cons on Cell Phone Usage While Driving

Cell phones have been around for years, changing from big and bulky to sleek and smooth. If used correctly and responsibly, cell phones are a great convenience to have. Sadly, many people do not use cell phones responsible. Activities such as sexting, explicit photographs, and pornography are accessed daily on cell phones. The most irresponsible act people commit is the use of cell phones while driving. Cell phones are become one of the top reasons for car crashes. The use of cell phones while driving needs to be stopped.

There are many people in this world who would disagree with this position. These people believe that cell phones are important to have in their car. Excuses such as, "What if I need to take a picture of a person's license plate?" or "What if I need to call 911?" are often made to justify this behavior. These excuses sound good, but there is still a flaw in there thinking. These people are putting themselves and others at risk.

Many people don't think of the risk they are putting themselves and others in when using their cell phones while driving. People who do think of the risk come up with excuses. They make statements such as 'This won't happen to me" or "If I look for just a second I'll be fine". Just as David Tewes stated in one of his reports, "Anything that distracts you from driving is

dangerous." (McClatchy-Tribune Information services) People need to stop living in a fantasy world and come back to reality.

Mothers and fathers are the two people looked up to the most. They're known as the greatest role models, but are they really? Young people who see their parents using their cell phones while driving may think it's appropriate for them as well. Research from Macmillian Social Science Library states, "Parents encourage their children to keep a cell phone in their car," (Cengage Learning). Some parents are responsible and tell their children not to use their cell phone while driving. It is great that they do this, but they must also show their children. If parents are going to give advice, they should model the desired behavior.

Some states are having a hard time banning cell phone use while driving. Some states have passed laws banning cell phones use while driving, but the law is not enforced by the state. Other states have passed laws banning cell phone use, Stefan Kiesbye stated in his article, " Introduction to Cell Phones and Driving: At Issue", "People are so used to driving while talking that banning the practice will be increasingly difficult."(Detroit Greenhaven Press) Legislators