Argue against texting and driving - Essay Example

Topic: Texting While Driving Lecturer: Presentation: Texting while driving is a dangerous activity, which should be discouraged in all ways possible, including punishing those caught in the act. A driver is supposed to concentrate all his attention on the road so as to be able to identify possible risk factors that may lead to an accident. Texting requires one to look at the phone’s screen and keypad in order to ensure that he is typing the correct information. While doing this, a driver may not be able to notice important road signs and traffic lights, which may warn him of danger thereby risking his own life and that of the passengers.

According to research, texting while driving is considered as being more dangerous than drunk driving. This is especially due to the fact that this activity diverts the attention of a driver at a minimum period of 5 seconds, which is equivalent to a blind person driving for a distance of approximately 100 meters (Kiesbye 41). According to 2008 statistics, distracted driving caused the death of more than 5000 people and more than 500000 injuries in the US alone (Regan 39). Clearly, this is a significant loss, which could have been avoided were there a national ban on some of the distractions such as texting while driving.

Drivers should be aware of the fact that life is precious, therefore, should be protected by all means as it cannot be compared to a text message no matter how urgent it might be. They are in control of their vehicles and as such, they have the liberty and the right to stop at convenient places to text after which they can continue driving. Indeed, a disciplined driver should always switch off his mobile phone, while driving, especially if the phone is not connected to a Bluetooth headset. Most of the phones in the market have the capability to record voicemails and also to hold incoming messages until the user switches on his handset, therefore, there is no justified reason as to why a person should end up in hospital or dead as a result of accidents caused by careless utilization of mobile handsets.

Works CitedKiesbye, Stephan. Cell Phones and Driving. Greenhaven Press, 2011. PrintRegan, Michael. Driver Distraction: Theory, Effects, and Mitigation. CRC Press, 2008. Print