Saturday, October 16, 2010

Driven to Distraction

This article discusses the risks of using cell phones while driving, but currently not even one state legislature has banned it completely. Distracted driving has become a threat on roadways with drivers who use phones being four times more likely to crash. For this theory of a cell phone ban to become a law it must move up to the systemic agenda. Once it is a law, the way to implement it would be by the tool of social regulation. It would be very equitable since there would be less car accidents related to cell phones. However, it may be hard to regulate so the manageability and effectiveness wouldn’t be great.

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/technology/series/driven_to_distraction/index.html?scp=1&sq=cell%20phone%20ban&st=cse

-Kelly Neary

3 comments:

  1. I agree that there should be some limit to using a cell phone while driving. However, with new technology evolving the way we use cellphones hands free, as well as connectivity of cell phones to cars it would be very hard to write a law regarding a usage that is always changing. Many of the laws in use now in some cities are very flawed. Where i grew up in Illinois it is illegal to talk on your cell phone but at one point was not illegal to text while driving or use gps on your phone. With a technology ever changing and with individuals having access to technology before others, a state legislature just writing a law would provide little effectiveness. I think that this type of problem must be carried out by advertisements and warnings to the people of how unsafe the usage of cell phones as well as changing legislation.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I also agree that there should be cell phone use regulation while driving. I know that where I'm from it is illegal to talk on your cell phone while driving if you are under eighteen. However, I don't know how strictly this is enforced. I don't think it's a good regulation because it doesn't seem very effective and I think it should be all or nothing. I know that some cell phone companies are developing new technology like voice-activated texting that makes actually makes texting while driving safe. All in all though, I do believe that it would benefit everyone on the road and keep everyone safe if cell phone use while driving was completely banned.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cell phone usage and text messaging while driving should definitely be completely banned. However, I do not think this move would completely eliminate safety issues. All drivers should be cautious while driving! I can relate to this because I almost got hit by a car today and from the driver's reaction, I can tell he was not paying full attention to his surrounding. In New York City, it is illegal to talk on the phone while driving but if an individual is using a headphone to do so, then it is completely ok. I believe that in order to provide a better and much safe environment for everyone, both the government and the general public should take action. Government should pass regulations and individuals (drivers and pedestrians) should act in a more responsible manner.

    ReplyDelete