Driving and Texting Solutions

Texting and Driving: A Dangerous Practice

With ever-evolving smartphone technology, texting has developed into a societal norm in modern society. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that a substantial portion of drivers engage in texting while driving. Texting while driving is defined as the practice of composing, sending, or reading emails, messages, or using the web on a mobile device while simultaneously operating a car. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Experts agree that this practice is risky, so some places have banned or outlawed it. Several studies show that there is a strong association between texting, calls and other interactions and the occurrence of fatal accidents as a result of distraction. In the United States alone, approximately 1.6 million crashes take place annually due to the use of cell phones while driving. Out of this figure, 500,000 of the accidents lead to injuries and about 6,000 fatalities. Currently, in the United States, the primary cause of death among the teenagers is texting and driving which stands at 11 deaths daily. In other words, the US experiences close to 25% car accidents accounts for by texting (Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A.). The main reason why this practice is dangerous is the fact that reading information diverts attention from the road. The loss of concentration is what tends to increase the possibility of accidents. If something happens in a split-second, then the driver is caught unaware leading to accidents that may turn out to be fatal. Conclusively, texting and driving increase the risk of accidents tremendously and for this reason, immediate development of efficient and practical solutions is paramount.

Solutions

Several solutions have been offered to reduce the accidents caused when texting and driving. In most states, cell phone use when operating a motor vehicle is prohibited especially for federal officers during their work (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). However, other equally crucial strategies can further reduce this behavior and eventually make the roads safer as well as reduce fatalities. One of the recommended approaches is switching off the phone, muting or placing it out of reach for instance in the glove compartment. In this way, the driver is not able to hear the phone ring and become tempted to respond to the call or message.

Additionally, a gadget that is out of reach means that the driver may have to stop and retrieve it or wait until arrival at their destination. Another option involves technology use where gadgets are utilized or the installation of applications that prevent texting when driving. Examples of these apps include Sprint’s Drive First, FleetSafer Mobile, DriveSafe.ly, Textecution, Cellcontrol and Kyrus Mobile (Cellcontrol Team).

Alternatively, the use of technological compartments like Nissan’s signal shield that blocks signals ensures that the phone is silent until it is removed from this shield. On the other hand, the installed applications work by reading texts aloud, sending auto-replies, disables texting features and so on. Finally, another approach is the introduction of texting and driving classes. This method aims at creating awareness to drivers concerning the dangers encompassed in distraction when texting and driving. As a requirement, this training further ensures that all drivers understand the repercussions of engaging in this dangerous act (Federal Communications Commission).

Conclusion

Mobile phone use while operating motor vehicles is a contemporary vice that needs proper handling before more injuries and fatalities take place. Various measures such as banning cell phone use when driving, use of applications that prevent use, training and awareness as well as personal directives and decisions to mute, switch off or place them far off are all viable options. Ultimately, the need for useful control strategies is the key to safer driving and less harm to the public as a whole.

Works Cited

Cellcontrol Team . “4 Solutions to Texting and Driving for New Drivers.” Cellcontrol, 13 October 2015, https://www.cellcontrol.com/blog/4-solutions-to-texting-and-driving-for-new-drivers. Accessed 19 June 2017.

Centers for Disease Control and Preventiion. “Distracted Driving.” Motor Vehicle Safety, 9 June 2017, https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/index.html. Accessed 19 June 2017.

Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A. . “Ohio Texting and Driving Law: The Facts .” Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., 28 February 2017, http://www.ohiotiger.com/facts-texting-driving/. Accessed 19 June 2017.

Federal Communications Commission. “The Dangers of Distracted Driving.” Federal Communications Commission, 6 April 2017, https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/dangers-texting-while-driving. Accessed 19 June 2017.