Causes and Effects of Texting While Driving Essay

Texting While Driving: A Contemporary Issue

Texting while driving is an issue that contemporary society continues to grapple with. Although it is among the leading forms of communication globally, it distracts drivers and causes severe consequences. As a result, most states have enacted texting bans, developed new approaches, and allocate adequate resources to eradicate this epidemic. Therefore, texting while driving distracts motorists and result in injuries, deaths, as well as the destruction of properties.

Reasons for Texting While Driving: Convenience and Societal Expectations

Most drivers communicate through texts while driving because the technique is convenient and effective (Caird, Johnston, Wellness, Asbridge, & Steel p. 318). The short message services allow them the mobility and instant accessibility to communicate with one another. Ferdinand et al noted that texting while driving is preferred because of its convenience, societal expectations, age, and peer influence (1370). Principally, people find it easier to send a short text instead of calling. As opposed to calling, texting is cheaper and easier, and this makes it a preferred means of communication. In addition to convenience, there is a general expectation in the society for a rapid reply to text messages, and this according to Hosking, Kristie, and Michael makes drivers respond to texts leading to distraction and accidents (582).

Texting While Driving: Distraction and Consequences

Texting while driving distracts drivers and cause accidents that result in injuries and deaths. About 2.5 million cases of road accidents are reported in the US every year and about 64% of these accidents occur due to cell phone use while driving (Nemme, &Katherine 1257). These accidents occur because mobile phones distract motorists. Secondly, by diverting a driver's attention, texting not only causes injury to the driver but also to pedestrians, fellow drivers, bicyclists, and passengers.

To prevent this epidemic, states should enact stringent laws and texting bans against young drivers to make it possible for law enforcement agencies to persecute anybody spotted texting while driving (Qiao, & Teresa 8). Secondly, the government should create awareness on the dangers and threats of messaging while driving. Drivers should also use onscreen stickers to put their phones to read their messages and identify who is calling without holding the phone in their hands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, texting has improved the lives of numerous persons because of its convenience and effectiveness. However, it is not only illegal but also causes severe consequences such as deaths and injuries.

Works Cited

Caird, J. K., Johnston, K. A., Willness, C. R., Asbridge, M., & Steel, P. (2014). A meta-analysis of the effects of texting on driving. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 71, 311-318.

Ferdinand, Alva O., et al. "Impact of texting laws on motor vehicular fatalities in the United States." American journal of public health, vol. 104, no. 8, 2014, pp. 1370-1377.

Hosking, Simon G., Kristie L. Young, and Michael A. Regan. "The effects of text messaging on young drivers." Human Factors, vol. 51, no. 4, 2009, pp. 582-592.

Nemme, Heidi E., and Katherine M. White. "Texting While Driving: Psychosocial Influences on Young People's Texting Intentions and Behaviour". Accident Analysis & Prevention, vol 42, no. 4, 2010, pp. 1257-1265.

Qiao, Nan, and Teresa Maria Bell. "State All-Driver Distracted Driving Laws And High School Students' Texting While Driving Behavior". Traffic Injury Prevention, vol 17, no. 1, 2015, pp. 5-8.