Should Cell Phones Be Banned While Driving Essay

“A study from the Harvard Center of Risk Analysis estimates that cell phone use while driving contributes to 6 percent of crashes, which equates to 636,000 crashes, 330,000 injuries, 12,000 serious injuries and 2,600 deaths each year and a tab of $43 billion, according to a statement from the NSC today” (GHSA). Cell phones distract drivers and make them unaware of their surroundings. Because drivers talk on the phone while operating the vehicle, their reaction time is much slower and therefore they cause a threat to other drivers and to themselves. Also, texting and driving makes the driver oblivious to their surroundings and a lot can happen in those few seconds that the driver is not paying attention. Although cell phones have a lot of

In any kind of conversation, people tend to focus more on the conversation than anything else. This is where having conversations through the phone and even with passengers cause a dilemma. For instance, “if the conversation is stressful, the reaction time will not be as quick. Also, whoever you are talking with on the phone does not know what is going on around you, whereas someone in the car talking to you is aware of the circumstances" ("Should Cell Phones Be Banned While Driving?"). This is another reason why cell phones have a bad reputation in cars because people’s emotions and attention are on other things than the road. By putting yourself in this situation, you aren’t fully aware of traffic changes, cars stopping short or cutting you off, or pedestrians walking on the road. Laws against talking on the phone are made to protect drivers from ever being in that situation. Cell phones are beneficial to have in the car because it allows you easy access to a GPS, they give you fast connection to someone if you need help or in an emergency, and they help you stay connected with others. But, a law is a law and it is made for a reason. Cell phones are a serious danger and when not used responsibly, can lead to injuries, accidents, and even