The Dangers of Using a Cell Phone While Driving
This essay argues for the passage of federal legislation banning cell phone use while driving. Drawing on accident statistics, public opinion surveys, and international comparisons, the paper demonstrates that cell phone use while driving is as dangerous as drunk driving, contributing to an estimated 2,600 traffic deaths and 330,000 accidents annually in the United States. Despite widespread public support for restrictive laws and successful legislation in other countries, the U.S. has failed to enact meaningful national regulations. The essay contends that existing evidence and public sentiment provide a clear mandate for comprehensive federal distracted driving laws.
- Introduction: Cell phone use while driving demands federal action
- The Dangers of Cell Phone Use While Driving: Statistics equate cell phone use with drunk driving
- Public Opinion and Legislative Inaction: Majority support laws despite slow legislative progress
- International Comparisons and the Case for Federal Law: Other nations lead with successful cell phone bans
- Conclusion: Evidence and precedent justify federal distracted driving law
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What makes this paper effective
- Uses concrete statistics — such as the equivalence between cell phone use and a .08 blood alcohol level — to make the risk tangible and persuasive.
- Anticipates potential objections by acknowledging legislative reluctance, then counters with public opinion data showing broad support for restrictions.
- Strengthens the argument with international comparisons, showing that other industrial nations have already enacted what the U.S. has not.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates the technique of building a multi-layered argument by combining empirical evidence, public opinion data, and comparative policy analysis. Rather than relying on a single type of source, the writer triangulates across statistical, attitudinal, and legislative evidence to support a policy claim — a common and effective strategy in persuasive academic writing.
Structure breakdown
The essay opens with an overview of the problem and a clear thesis, then moves through the evidence in escalating order: first, statistical proof of danger; second, the gap between awareness and legislation; third, public support for change; and finally, international precedent as a policy template. The conclusion draws these threads together into a unified call for federal action.
Introduction
Statistics connecting cell phone usage with dangerous driving have become increasingly available. Evidence suggests that cell phones cause drivers to become distracted, to take their eyes off the road, and, ultimately, to endanger their own lives and the lives of other motorists. With the advent of texting and emailing by smartphone, these risks are even greater. In spite of this, the United States remains resistant to imposing federal legislation that would make it illegal, nationwide, to use a cell phone while driving. Given the evidence linking cell phone use and dangerous driving, there is a strong imperative for the development and passage of distracted driving laws at the national level.
The Dangers of Cell Phone Use While Driving
The strongest argument in favor of such a law is the clear and irrefutable evidence demonstrating the danger of driving while using a cell phone. An article by Richtel (2009) equates driving while using a cell phone with driving while intoxicated. According to Richtel, a person using a cell phone is four times more likely to cause an accident — a risk index equivalent to that of a person with a .08 blood alcohol level. Richtel further reports that driving while using a cell phone has been attributed as the cause of an estimated 2,600 traffic deaths and 330,000 accidents annually (Richtel, p. 1).
In spite of these figures, Richtel reports that "the federal government warns against talking on a cellphone while driving, but no state legislature has banned it. This year, state legislators introduced about 170 bills to address distracted driving, but passed fewer than 10" (p. 1). This indicates that the federal government is fully aware of the dangers of cell phone usage while driving, yet few in its lawmaking bodies are prepared to take the potentially unpopular step of turning this acknowledgment into binding legislation.
Public Opinion and Legislative Inaction
However, according to a recent survey published by Nationwide (2013), most motorists have increasingly come to accept that there are real dangers associated with using a cell phone behind the wheel. As such, many are actually in favor of more restrictive laws. According to Nationwide, "8 in 10 drivers support some type of cell phone usage restriction. The majority of respondents say they are supportive of laws restricting any type of cell phone use while driving" (Nationwide, p. 1).
This is good news for legislators who have otherwise been apprehensive about moving forward with meaningful regulations. Additionally, most survey respondents indicated that they would support a total ban on texting while driving. In recognition of the distinct danger of this behavior, a number of states have been successful in passing laws making it illegal. This demonstrates that a template exists for restricting cell phone usage behind the wheel.
Conclusion
The combination of the risks related to cell phone use while driving and the success achieved in other contexts with prohibitive legislation justifies the establishment of meaningful federal legislation. The evidence is clear, public support is strong, and international precedent is well established. The United States should act decisively to enact a nationwide distracted driving law that protects all motorists.
Works Cited
Hanson, D. J. (2012). Driving While Using Cell Phone as Dangerous as Driving While Drunk. Potsdam.edu.
Nationwide. (2013). Driving While Distracted: Statistics to Know. Nationwide.com.
Richtel, M. (2009). Drivers and Legislators Dismiss Cellphone Risks. New York Times.
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