Cell Phones: Are They Dangerous?

Is it possible that mobile phones are dangerous?

Some claim that mobile phones are excellent networking devices that have evolved significantly over the years and enable people all over the world to stay in touch. Others argue that continued mobile phone usage contributes to addiction and that such an event further distances individuals from their daily lives. Furthermore, excessive mobile phone usage increases distraction in situations such as driving, which leads to collisions and loss of life. As a result, mobile phones may be rendered hazardous. While cell phones are necessary gadgets for the world to connect and come together, there should be regulations on their use while driving, since such a use of the devices poses the greatest danger.

First Viewpoint

The opposition to the argument that cell phones are dangerous is an issue of several points of concern, many of which focus on the positive attributes associated with cell phones. Billions of people around the world own cell phones and use them in their daily routines. It is evident that cell phones provide enhanced communication flexibility which has been a significant challenge in the previous years. Contrary to the time when cell phones were more of a fashion or luxury, today the gadgets have become a necessity that provides users with several benefits. Presently, cell phones manufacturers incorporate several features and functionalities in cell phones and this increases their usability and, therefore, benefits (Heller). Cell phones today have cameras, music, video games, and other various features in addition to the communication function. Ideally, cell phones not only work to facilitate business and personal conveniences, but they also advance in their provision of safety and comfort (Rakauskas et al. 455).

Cell phones have today become an extra source of productivity that influences a majority of people. Indeed, as the generations become more demanding, cell phones are equally becoming smarter. From an in-depth analysis of the integrated diverse use, cell phones enable users to perform varied tasks all at once without staining the user (Tison and Cosgrove). Despite the fact that cell phone use during driving is considered to be very dangerous, there still exists an important benefit associated with cell phones during driving. Cell phones are of vital importance when driving as an aspect of security. Ideally, during emergency situations such as accidents, drivers could use cell phones to call for help or report incidences such as attacks while traveling (Charlton 166). Additionally, from the additional features incorporated in cell phones such as the GPS, new drivers could use the cell phones on certain routes as a means of navigating and reaching certain destinations. Information access about traffic and certain weather conditions of a particular place from the FMs on the cell phones is now very easy (Heller).

From the above viewpoint, it is evident that cell phones play a significant part in the daily lives of humans. Without cell phones, out today’s life would seem impossible to live. Despite the fact that cell phones are primarily meant for communication through calls, the current situation reveals that it is no longer trendy to use a cell phone for calls; in fact, using the gadgets to make phone calls has become very uncommon. Based on such a perspective, it is evident that opposition to the fact that cell phones are dangerous is grounded on the numerous benefits associated with the device, whether one is driving or not.

Second Viewpoint

It is true that cell phones provide immense benefits associated with their use. However, from a different perspective, cell phones have become gadgets of concern and deemed dangerous with an increase in incidences of major accidents among many drivers. There are various dynamics from which the danger of cell phones could be addressed from the driver’s perspective. Research has shown that while using their phones, drivers fail to pay complete attention to the road, an occurrence that exposes not only the drivers’ lives to risk, but also the lives of other people on the road (Tison and Cosgrove). Such a perspective has necessitated the development and imposition of restrictions by individual nations on the use of cell phones while driving. The question that one would ask is whether such an approach has helped solve the problem.

Driving is one activity that requires significant concentration for the efficient decision-making process. Such an aspect is essential, as drivers usually have just but a fraction of a second for a chance to make a critical and swift decision whenever complex scenarios arise (McCartt et al. 91). Under such situations, drivers using cell phones fail to react as fast as required and, therefore, end up making wrong decisions that result in serious accidents, which in most cases involve not only their vehicles, but also other road users. Based on such an aspect, it is evident that cell phones are dangerous, especially for drivers who have proven that the gadgets lower their driving concentration, giving a chance to accidents.

Further research into the use of cell phones by drivers and its implications revealed that drivers that use cell phones while driving have demonstrated a comparatively slower driving response while using the phones than those who do not have the phones while driving. Use of cell phones while driving is the easiest way to give the driver a distraction (Lowy). As already addressed previously, the latest trends of cell phones have applications that require full concentration to operate and whenever a driver uses such apps, his focus is shifted, which may lead to an accident.

From the above point of view, it is evident that cell phone use while driving is indeed a danger and contributes to a significant number of deaths on the roads today. Cell phones have different distracting mechanisms and whereas one would argue that it is possible to use phones while driving and remain alerted, the concentration would never be at the top level and thus the element of distraction. Based on such views, it is evident that indeed cell phones are dangerous, mostly if used while driving.

Conclusion

The determination of whether cell phones are dangerous is one that has attracted debate over time. For a conclusive determination, the paper has addressed various aspects and perspectives. From the availed information, it is evident that it is correct that cell phones pose the greatest danger whenever used by drivers while on the road. However, from an in-depth analysis, it is equally true that the gadgets are of benefit in some cases if used while driving. As such, it is conclusive to state that cell phones, despite being dangerous if used while driving, can be of great use. The danger posed by cell phone used by drivers comes down to individuals. Road discipline is, therefore, necessary for people to know when to use cell phones without posing a danger to themselves and other road users. Besides, the legislations in place against such occurrences should be implemented effectively for enhanced safety. Cell phones are, therefore, not dangerous even if used while driving; however, individuals should take responsibility for their behavior while behind the wheels as that determines the result.

Works Cited

Charlton, Samuel G. “Driving While Conversing: Cell Phones That Distract and Passengers Who React.” Accident Analysis & Prevention, vol. 41, no. 1, 2009, pp. 160-173.

Heller, David. “Ban Proposed on Texting, Talking on Cell Phones While Driving.” First Coast News, 14 Dec. 2011. Web. 29 Mar. 2012. 

Lowy, Joan. “National Texting While Driving Ban: U.S. Urges No Cell Phones, No Texting While Driving.” The Huffington Post, 31 Dec. 2011.

McCartt, Anne T., et al. “Cell Phones and Driving: a Review of Research.” Traffic Injury Prevention, vol. 7, no. 2, 2006, pp. 89-106.

Rakauskas, Michael E. et al.. “Effects of Naturalistic Cell Phone Conversations on Driving Performance.” Journal of Safety Research, vol. 35, no. 4, 2004, pp. 453-464.

Tison, Julie, and Linda Cosgrove. National Phone Survey on Distracted Driving Attitudes and Behaviors. No. HS-811 555. 2011.