Cellphones and Driving? Nah.

Over the years, it has appeared that drivers have become more careless and careless due to the electronic device known as the smartphone. Because the smartphone is so addicting, many struggle putting it down, however behind the wheel it is the worst place to be on that little screen. Many might think that it’s fine, that a little text won’t hurt anyone. People feel as if they are experienced drivers and that it poses no real danger, yet a large number of car accidents are caused by distracted drivers on their phones. Thus, it is vital that the effects and statistics of texting and driving are taught in driver education, as it could reduce the amounts of accidents and deaths caused by the cellphone.

While it is illegal to text in most states, many seem to ignore this fact. It is important to be educated on the effects texting and driving may have, as it poses a danger not just to the driver but to other families. Having knowledge may be able to prevent some people from reaching out to text, however here are some other extra precautions people could take for the benefit of themselves and others. If it is difficult to put the phone down, there are existing apps that will lock down the phone, blocking texts and calls unless it is an emergency. Furthermore, If an app is not wished to be installed, people should put their phone on silent and put it somewhere not visible to avoid temptation. If anything could be done in the long run, the government should put stricter laws on cell phone usage during driving in order to discourage it from happening.

Personally and thankfully, my family and I have never been in a car accident. However we have been in several close calls due to distracted drivers.Additionally, I have had several close friends and or a family member of theirs involved in minor car crashes due to, you guessed it, the use of a cellular device on the wheel. My parents sometimes are tempted to return a text and they get annoyed when my sister or I remind them to not text and drive. As for my friends, surprisingly they are extremely cautious and never reach out for their phone. My best guess is that they feel as if they would put our lives in jeopardy if they did so I am thankful for them for being careful and smart about their decisions.

I am willing to educate myself on the statistics of accidents and deaths caused by phones. I want to be able to let others know that I am a safe driver and someone you can trust behind the wheel. I do not want to be the cause of an accident or a death therefore I will put the phone down. I think it is a good idea to install an app that would lock my phone while I drive so it could minimize temptation. But above all, I want to follow the law. I do not want to get fined and I think a lot of other people wouldn’t like to either.