Ban of Cell Phone Use

Ban of Cell Phone Use in Cars

If you are using a cell phone while driving, there is a higher chance of a completely unexpected mistake which could cause a serious accident. Many people have made this observation but now over 20 studies have also confirmed their concern with statistics. "The New England Journal of Medicine says drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to be in an accident as those who aren't. A 2002 Harvard University study estimates that nationwide, cell phone distractions leads to 1.5 million accidents, 330,000 injuries and 2,600 deaths each year." (Wood, 2009)

The idea behind cell phone ban is simple: fewer distractions on the road lead to fewer accidents. So why is there a need for debate on the issue when it is obviously clear that cell phone use on the road can cause accidents, many of them fatal? To assume that mobile companies will accept the observation without contest is a folly. Companies have contested it repeatedly since they feel a serious need for cell phone use everywhere. They feel that the very main objective of having a cell phone is to become accessible 24/7 to family, friends and business acquaintances. If people are on the road for extended hours, they have all the more need to stay in touch with others and the only reliable connection is a cell phone. "Cell phone companies and many consumers fear any regulations that could stymie their growing reliance on cell phones in cars." A legislative director says, "The state has a $35 billion budget deficit that it is avoiding while trying to micromanage private activities of citizens. If police see a person is distracted- whether it's reading Danielle Steele, shaving or eating cheeseburger- they already have the power to pull that person over and give them a ticket." (Wood, 2009)

Governments in some states have taken action against cell phone use while driving. Complete ban is placed on all kind of cell phone use in California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington. Text messaging bans are also in place in some states but this may not be combined with complete ban. some states differentiate between experienced and novice drivers and while it allows cell phone use to the former, it denies the same rights to the latter which is perfectly understandable.

But cell phone companies are not trying to understand the sheer number of accidents caused due to cell phone use call for stricter regulations. While some have advocated that ban is not the answer and more education is needed, the fact is that education without regulation may actually be useless. "Educational efforts to promote seat-belt use only resulted in 20% of people buckling up; it took legislation to take raise this past 80%. "Education is not a waste of time, but education with regulation is far more effective." (Sibbald, 2002) A stringent measure like a legislation imposed in California might help in raising awareness and bringing down number of accidents caused by cell phone distractions.

Many feel that the use of hands-free phone should be made mandatory for those who do not want to avoid cell phones completely. This is a much better alternative as we all understand that complete ban on cell phone use while driving is not just as practical. This is because while many ordinary drivers may not have a problem with cell phone ban, most are likely to resist it because of their extraordinary circumstances. This applies especially to cab drivers in major cities like New York where drivers need to stay in touch with customers as well as the center in order to report problems. "Taxi drivers called the rules inhumane, saying that their cell phones are lifelines in emergencies and a crucial way to keep in touch with relatives during 12-hour shifts on the streets." New York State has imposed stricter laws regarding cell phone use which call for a ban on wearing even head-sets or hands-free phones. These laws also require drivers to pull up if they need to answer a phone. But people have serious objection to this requirement as we are all aware of the lack of parking spaces in NY. "Where do you get the space to put your car? & #8230; "Pull over to the side to talk and you will get a parking ticket." (Grynbaum, 2009)

All these arguments against cell phone use appear plausible and logical but there is a serious "But" involved. The number of accidents on the road due to drivers' use of cell phone indicates that talking while driving actually keep the mind off the road which is highly dangerous. To allow free use of cell phones while driving is to invite more accidents but to ban the use completely may also cause problems. The best idea is to find a middle road. Government should allow hands-free phone use while banning text messaging completely. The use of hands-free will at least give the driver the liberty to stay in touch with important people while at the same time negotiate the traffic properly.

Another practical solution is to allow people to become more educated about cell phone use so they would give the phone to some one else sitting in the car in case the call seems important. This may not be something that government can impose, but it can certainly be a trick learned by customers by means of education and more awareness. In my personal experience, I have often found myself getting completely distracted by my cell phone ringing when I am driving and for this reason, I would support the ban wholeheartedly. But I also understand that cell phones often come in handy on the road and hence instead of banning the use, the drivers should be allowed to answer their phones through hands-free and head sets.