Warning Signs

When you think about what our generation’s going to be called in the history book I’m convinced it’ll be labeled the era of a rapid growing technological evolution. Within two decades advancements in computer graphics, means of communication, and all over technology has expanded generously. As we’ve grown up surrounded by this, what else would you expect from people our age? Children these days are even having their textbooks replaced by iPads. It looks like soon kids will think of books as prehistoric artifacts rather than a learning device that isn’t actually virtual.

This commentary is in response to Vanessa Tamayo’s article “Distracted driving is blind driving” in which she argues that there should be a ban on texting while driving because it’s distracting. She provides some statistics for her argument as well as the existing laws that are enforced here in Texas.

I agree to some extent; it seems like we should put a ban on texting while driving. But, I don’t think it should be up to the government to enforce this. Call me old fashion but people need to be more responsible and realize they can not only take their own life but also take someone else’s. That should be common sense and by texting and driving you’re asking for something horrendous to happen.

To answer your question, no it’s not worth it. I for one refuse to check a text message or even talk on the phone while driving because I don’t feel like risking a life by simply being distracted. I feel like there’s a lot more to be aware of while driving a 3,000-pound piece of steel then a piece of technology. I think it’s wrong to fully blame distraction on cell phones though, there are so many other attributes that you have to take into effect. “Distraction” according to the U.S. Government Website for Distracted Driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Something so simple like adjusting the radio or even taking a drink endangers drivers, passengers, and bystander safety.

People are going to text and drive weather or not it’s illegal. The best way to end distracted driving is to educate Americans about the danger it poses. It’s sad but true what Rick Perry said in mid-June of this year, “I support measures that make our roads safer for everyone, but House Bill 242 is a government effort to micromanage the behavior of adults.”

It’s sad to think that people can’t put their phones down for a single car ride. What if we did enforce a ban on texting and driving, what good would it actually do? A study done recently in by the Highway Loss Data Institute found that amongst three of the four states studied had experienced higher numbers of motor vehicle accidents after banning texting while driving. So just because it seems like a good idea doesn’t mean it will inevitably succeed.