Why Texting and Driving Should Be Illegally Prohibited: A Clear Case for Safety

Distracted driving, particularly the act of texting while driving, is a major contributor to road accidents and fatalities. In many countries, including the United States, this behavior has increasingly become a top priority for lawmakers and safety advocates due to its adverse impact on road safety. The following sections delve into the comprehensive reasons why texting and driving should be strictly prohibited, underlining its detrimental effects and the urgency for legal intervention.

Single-Handedly a Major Distraction

The most compelling reason to ban texting and driving is the critical distraction it creates. Numerous studies and real-life incidents have demonstrated the perilous consequences of engaging in such behavior on the road. For instance, in a tragic incident that occurred in Michigan, a woman was texting while driving a Suburban. She failed to see a red light and crashed into a motorcycle, killing the rider. What is even more horrifying is that she continued texting immediately after the collision, further exemplifying how this dangerous habit can lead to severe, life-altering events.

Increased Accident Risk

In general, texting while driving results in a significant increase in the likelihood of accidents. A person's cognitive and visual attention is severely impaired when interacting with a mobile device. This directed attention away from the road and the surrounding traffic can lead to a complete disregard of traffic signals or other vehicles, potentially resulting in a fatal collision. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounted for approximately 8% of all fatal crashes in 2020, with a majority of these cases involving the use of a mobile phone.

Distracting Passengers

The impact of texting and driving extends beyond the driver. Passengers may find it challenging to communicate effectively with the driver if the person is focused on their phone. In many cases, passengers might have crucial information or warnings to convey which can be crucial for the safety of everyone in the vehicle. Ignoring these communications puts the entire vehicle's safety at risk. For example, passengers might need to warn the driver about a traffic hazard, but due to the driver's focus on their phone, critical safety information is disregarded.

Legalization and Legal Consequences

It is crucial to understand that texting and driving is not just a moral issue but a legal one. Many states in the United States have already made texting and driving illegal, and the rationale is clear: to save lives and reduce the burden on the healthcare and judicial systems. The insurance industry has also shown significant interest in banning this practice, as it directly affects claims and premiums. Despite the evident risks, some drivers continue to engage in this behavior, mainly due to a lack of enforcement and awareness.

Driving is a Privilege, Not a Right

Another compelling argument against texting and driving is the inherent privilege of driving. In the United States, driving is not a fundamental right but a privilege. Like any privilege, it comes with fundamental obligations to others. When drivers choose to text and drive, they willingly and knowingly put themselves and others at risk. This behavior is as culpable as drinking and driving, both from a legal and ethical standpoint. It is irresponsible to assert that one can “handle it” or that texting and driving are mutually exclusive actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the prohibition of texting and driving is not a matter of convenience or preference but a matter of public safety. The real and overwhelming evidence from research, accidents, and real-life incidents underscores the absolute necessity of legislative action to ban this practice. While some individuals might argue that it should be up to personal choice, the reality is that the risks posed by texting and driving far outweigh any individual's right to choose. The only logical and effective solution is to make texting and driving illegal, ensuring safer roads for everyone.