The popularity of the mobile phones has led to several unintended and dangerous consequences apart from the vast uses. Texting and driving is one of the most common reasons of automobile accidents. It replaced drinking and driving as the leading cause of accidents. Texting and driving takes the driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, which is more than sufficient to cause a fatal accident . Individuals, especially teenagers are always in contact with their phone checking twitter, Facebook and text messages. 80 percent of the teenagers are of the misconception that texting while driving makes no difference to the driving performance. Distracted driving causes severe loss to both life and property, and the injury levels are unacceptable. It is not only dangerous to the people behind the wheel, but also innocent people travelling on the road.
Every year, thousands of deaths and millions of injuries take place all over the world, with the primary reason being texting and driving . Unable to restrict oneself from texting while driving is an addiction. One of the most effective methods to prevent texting while driving is legal intervention. Traffic accidents dropped by 3 percent in areas where strict laws had been made against texting while driving. The percentage has dropped to 11 in individuals between the age of 15 and 21. Anti-texting laws allow the police to stop the drivers for texting and write a ticket . Imposing a minimal amount of fine does not convey the seriousness of the issue to the public. Hence, it is important to frame strong laws, which deter the drivers from avoiding their phones while driving.
Strong educational programs increase the awareness of the negative consequences caused by texting and driving. The government should make it a mandate for the drivers to attend classes on distracted driving, which fundamentally focuses on texting and driving. Turning the mobile on silent mode of completely switching off the mobile reduces the distraction of the drivers . In today’s world of technology, there are several Smartphone apps that prevent an individual from texting while driving. Several brands of anti-texting and driving thumb socks are available in the market, which prevent the drivers from texting. License suspension and strong punishments are effective in preventing texting and driving. Apart from framing legislations, it is the responsibility of the parents to advise their children about the adverse effects of texting and driving.
On a positive note, using innovative technology, such as voice technology, texting block and mobile phone monitoring applications prevent the damage caused by texting and driving. Another practice is the use of a tracking application, which turns the phone off as long as the vehicle is moving and turns it on as soon as the vehicle stops. Individuals should make a conscious decision to quit the habit of texting while driving . Adults must lead the teens as an example in this regard. To conclude, texting and driving is one of the most common reasons for millions of road accidents, taking the lives of several individuals. The introduction of strict and effective legislations with serious punishments will help in preventing the consequences of texting and driving. In addition to the government, parents should take the responsibility of educating their children about the effects of texting and driving. Education programs should focus on creating awareness in the public about the prevention of texting and driving.
Works Cited
Figliola, Patricia Moloney and Gina Stevens. Text and Multimedia Messaging: Emerging Issues for Congress. DIANE Publishing, 2012.
Noyola, Esmeralda. The Dangers of Texting and Driving: Sour Apple. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2012.
