Khuloud Khalifaacademic Preparation 4bjegede E8 November 2017recent ✓ Solved

Khuloud Khalifa Academic Preparation 4B Jegede, E. 8 November, 2017 Recently, the National Safety Council (NSC) released data showing that 27 % of car crashes of 1,535,490 in 2013 were caused by cell phone use while driving ( ). People don't realize that using mobile phones while driving will expose them to many risks and cause them severe pain or even death. The National Safety Council reports that Nearly 330,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting while driving ( ). Even though there is plenty of evidence on the high risks or seriousness of using a mobile phone while driving, people are still using cell phones while driving because they want to be always available and stay connected with other people.

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The Dangers of Mobile Phone Use While Driving

Mobile phone use while driving is an issue that continues to plague road safety despite widespread awareness about its dangers. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that in 2013, approximately 27% of the 1,535,490 car accidents in the United States were attributed to cell phone use while driving (NSC, 2017). This troubling statistic underscores a critical public safety concern, as the use of mobile phones can divert a driver's attention from the road, thereby increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

The Scope of the Problem

Despite the dire statistics, the prevalence of mobile phone use while driving remains high. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that nearly 330,000 injuries occur each year due to accidents caused by texting while driving (NHTSA, 2021). A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 47% of respondents admitted to reading text messages while driving (Pew Research Center, 2019). This behavior is alarming and indicative of a larger trend where many drivers underestimate the risks associated with using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle.

Understanding the Risks

The primary risk associated with using mobile phones while driving is distraction. Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts attention from driving, including texting, talking, or using apps. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines three main types of distractions: visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking your mind off driving) (CDC, 2020). Mobile phone use often involves all three, making it incredibly dangerous.
In a study published in the journal "Traffic Injury Prevention," researchers found that texting while driving increases the risk of an accident by 23 times (Sullivan et al., 2016). This stark statistic emphasizes the fact that even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic results. The danger is compounded by the fact that using a mobile phone while driving can lead to delayed reaction times, much like driving under the influence of alcohol.

The Cultural Context

One reason why mobile phone use persists despite knowledge of its dangers is the societal expectation for constant connectivity. Many drivers feel compelled to respond to messages, emails, or phone calls immediately due to fear of missing out or a perceived obligation to remain reachable (Smith, 2018). This societal pressure exacerbates the problem and leads to a cultural normalization of distracted driving.
In a survey conducted by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 88% of drivers admitted to using their phones while driving, and 29% indicated that they considered such behavior acceptable (AAA, 2020). Such statistics reflect a troubling trend where the risks associated with mobile phone use are overshadowed by the need to remain connected.

Legislative Efforts and Technological Solutions

Recognizing the dangerous consequences of mobile phone use while driving, many states have enacted laws to combat this issue. As of 2021, 48 states and Washington, D.C., have banned texting while driving, yet enforcement remains a critical challenge (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2021). Education and awareness campaigns are also underway to inform drivers about the risks they face when using mobile phones behind the wheel.
Further, advances in technology offer solutions to mitigate the risks of mobile phone use while driving. Apps that minimize distractions, such as “DriveMode” or “Textecution,” can temporarily restrict phone functionality while the driver is on the road (McCarthy, 2019). Additionally, built-in systems in newer vehicles often come equipped with hands-free capabilities, allowing drivers to use their phones with reduced distractions.

The Impact of Education

Educational campaigns play a pivotal role in changing the narrative around mobile phone use while driving. Studies have shown that awareness programs can significantly reduce the prevalence of distracted driving. The "It Can Wait" campaign, initiated by AT&T, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of texting and driving and has mobilized millions across the nation (AT&T, 2021). Research indicates that exposure to such campaigns leads to a decrease in the number of drivers who engage in this risky behavior (Yue et al., 2018).

Moving Forward

Combating the issue of mobile phone use while driving requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses legal, technological, educational, and cultural dimensions. Laws must be effectively enforced, technological solutions should continue to innovate, and awareness campaigns must evolve to reach a broader audience.
Creating a culture that prioritizes road safety over constant connectivity is paramount. Drivers need to understand that while the desire to be reachable is understandable, nothing is more important than safety on the road. States can also implement stricter penalties for distracted driving to deter such behavior and reduce incidents.

Conclusion

The evidence supporting the dangers of mobile phone use while driving is overwhelming. The inability to separate oneself from the digital world poses real risks, not only to the individual driver but to everyone on the road. By fostering a culture of safety, enforcing laws, utilizing technology, and raising public awareness, we can work to significantly reduce the instances of distracted driving and save countless lives.

References

1. AT&T. (2021). It Can Wait: A commitment to end texting and driving. Retrieved from [https://www.itcanwait.com](https://www.itcanwait.com)
2. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. (2020). 2020 Traffic Safety Culture Index. Retrieved from [https://aaafoundation.org](https://aaafoundation.org)
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Distracted Driving. Retrieved from [https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/index.html](https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/index.html)
4. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (2021). Distracted driving laws. Retrieved from [https://www.iihs.org](https://www.iihs.org)
5. McCarthy, M. (2019). Driving apps to curb distracted driving. Retrieved from [https://www.drivingapps.org](https://www.drivingapps.org)
6. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2021). Distracted Driving. Retrieved from [https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving](https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving)
7. National Safety Council (NSC). (2017). Cell phone use while driving statistics. Retrieved from [https://www.nsc.org](https://www.nsc.org)
8. Pew Research Center. (2019). Mobile technology and home broadband 2019. Retrieved from [https://www.pewresearch.org](https://www.pewresearch.org)
9. Sullivan, J., et al. (2016). The impact of texting on driver distraction: A review of the impacts on driver behavior. Traffic Injury Prevention, 17(2), 156-162.
10. Yue, T., et al. (2018). Evaluating the effectiveness of distracted driving public awareness campaigns, Journal of Safety Research, 66, 123-131.