It's hard to imagine a time when cell phones were the exception, now they seem to be a rule. Anybody, at nearly any age, will have a cell phone. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, considering they are most helpful when somebody may be lost or in situations where a simple phone call to say you're late can ease a loved one's mind. But for every upside there is also a downside. Cell phones are distracting. Ever been in a movie theatre and someone insist on keeping there cell phone turn on? Even worse, they feel it necessary to take the call, DURING THE MOVIE? Yes, cell phones have many downsides, but the worse, may be it's distraction during driving.
According to Edgar Snyder and Associates, their website states that in 2007, driver distraction such as using cell phones or text messages contributed to nearly 1,000 crashes involving 16 and 17 year old drivers. More horrifying, about 21% of FATAL car crashes involving teenagers between the ages of 16-19 were the result of cell phone usage! Shockingly, this result is expected to grow about 4% each year. Reading this statistics, I know many wonder if there is anything we can do to decrease or even avoid these terrible stats. The answer lies in early prevention. A simple headset can be the answer to many auto involved tragedies.
It is no wonder that the hands-free law was implemented in California in July 1st, 2008. This law states the a driver over the age of 18 MUST NOT use a hand-held wirless phone while operating a motor vehicle, but a hands free device(headset) is allowed. Drivers under the age of 18 however are prohibited from using hands-free or hand-held. This is law will hopefully help lower the terrible stats of car-accidents involving cell-phones.
Cell phones is a good thing. It is conveinent, portable, and necessary. But it is our responsiblity to keep cell phones as a good thing, and not let it affect our lives negatively.
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