Driving Distractions

Driving Distractions

Today the most controversial form of distraction while driving is the cell phone which has multiple features and functions. Although texting is one major concern, talking on the phone causes driver distraction also. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has called "distracted driving is a deadly epidemic" (Driving Distracted 22). Driving is a task that requires one to pay attention, stay alert, and concentrate on the functions needed to operate a motor vehicle. When a person allows their attention to be compromised he or she sets the stage for a potential hazard. Driving is a privilege and a great responsibility, a driver's decisions and actions not only affect his or her own safety but others as well. Traffic laws and, rules of the road are in place to help prevent the possibilities of unnecessary traffic fatalities. Therefore, distracted driving can be a major problem, but one that can be solved.

First, distracted driving is a growing concern. Arthur Liggio, Executive Vice President at Driving Dynamics, adds that the use of cell phones is growing and becoming a bigger issue of distraction for drivers than in recent years, as more and more people are now using this convenient technology (Laura Walter 36). David Strayer, Director of the University of Utah's applied Cognition Lab, states, "The genie's out of the bottle with our bad behaviors. Texting is just the first of a large series of distractions that are making their way into vehicles" (Laura Walter 36). We have GPS systems with graphic road displays along with eating, smoking, and other activities not meant for the car, also create opportunities for drivers to become distracted.

The more available, convenient, and advanced technology becomes the more driving distracted we as drivers become (Laura Walter 36).

Therefore as responsible driver's safety should be the most important rule when driving. Driving a motor vehicle requires an individual to anticipate situations that might occur, thus requiring a driver's full attention and focus on the traffic around them as well as appropriate reactions. The dangers involved while driving and using a cell phone can result in an accident and can be costly in a multitude of ways, from legal issues to injury and death. The National Safety Council suggests that "one in every four crashes on the highways now involve cell phone use in one way or another" (Laura Walters 36). Strayer states that research conducted in 2006 on the affects of texting while driving showed that texting effected a person's ability to drive as much as a driver with a .08 blood alcohol level (Laura Walters 35).

In addition according to Walter, the