Consequences of Texting while driving - Essay Example

Texting while Driving Technology has its merits and demerits. Apparently, technology makes our life more convenient and easier. However, it also bears some disadvantages, or hazards. A perfect example is mobile phones. Mobile phones are remarkable innovations for it revolutionized the system of communication. It breaks borders and connects people all over the world in a very convenient, portable way. But such advantages do not come without a price. Mobile phones, especially texting, have drastically changed our ways of life. We have more time to do what we think are more important activities than meeting or talking with people personally or face to face. We have greater opportunities to disseminate private and public information without having to go through the laborious process of bringing people together in a particular venue to deliver to them our messages. But do these merits justify its disadvantages?
One specific hazard of mobile phones stems from texting while driving. Some people, especially those in a rush, cannot wait out texting even while driving because of their very busy lives. They have to get their messages quickly and reply to them right away. But driving requires full attention; it cannot be done safely with the driver’s attention divided into two or more concerns. Hence texting while driving is very dangerous and this has already been proven by the numerous vehicular accidents that occurred because of the drivers’ inattention to the road due to texting. Texting is a useful activity, but it should be done with logic and great care.
Many studies have reported that most of their research subjects or respondents admit to texting while driving, but most of them also believe that it must be illegal. Although there are now laws intended to mitigate this issue, it is widely known that such laws are not easy to put into effect. Many studies have found out no relationship between laws and the number of individuals who text while driving when making comparison of incidence of texting while driving in states with legislation against such habit with states that do not have laws forbidding such practice. Furthermore, even though there have been greater efforts to prohibit the practice of texting while driving, studies found out insignificant changes in the behavior of mobile users.
There are several serious outcomes of texting while driving. A mishap due to texting while driving can hurt or take the life of somebody. Policymakers passed a bill that grants financial reward to states that prohibit such practice. Even though this bill was not ratified, it is already implemented in some states. However, numerous state governments have proposed their own legislation based on the abovementioned bill. In certain instances, those caught have been imprisoned. Youth in such cases have been sentenced to community service. But the most serious consequence of texting while driving is the emotional impact. Emotional harms cannot be erased that easily. It stays for a long time. Texting while driving is never a good practice and will certainly lead to adverse consequences. Read More