Should There Be a Law?
Over 100 million cell phones are currently in use in the United States. More than 85% of cell phone users talk on the phone while driving. However, this is not the only task people perform while driving. They eat, drink, smoke, and can do numerous other things while at the wheel. Most of these other factors are more dangerous than just talking on the phone. Many states have proposed bills varying in severity that would restrict cell phones in motor vehicles. If there is a law to ban cell phone use while driving, there might as well be one against eating, drinking, and other common distractions in the car. How many times have you been driving and your cell phone rings? Or you remember you were supposed to call a certain person twenty minutes ago? Most likely, you would just pull out your cell phone and dial or answer it. However, if the state passes a bill that would restrict cell phone use in the automobile, obviously you legally wouldn't be able to use your phone. According to Matt Sundeen, Policy Specialist of Transportation for the National Conference of State Legislatures, "At least 22 states since 1995 have proposed bills concerning cellular telephones in automobiles. In 1999 alone, 1
I think that bills being proposed and lawmakers trying to find ways to ban or limit the use of cell phones while driving is a waste of time. Sure it has good intentions, but realistically, not many people will abide by the laws. How will the government make sure that everyone is abiding by the law? They can't. This situation is somewhat similar to the seat belt law. There is no true way to make sure that every single person that rides in an automobile wears their seat belt. The only way that law officials know, is if they get pulled over, or if they are right next to a police officer who notices. This law had good intentions also, but not everyone follows it. I think there shouldn't be any laws concerning the limitation of cell phone use while driving. Everyone knows that it isn't very safe to do this, so they take precautions already by themselves. We don't need the government telling us what to do. People perform many different distracting tasks while driving. However, the use of cell phones while driving is the most prevalent right now. Lawmakers want to impose laws banning or greatly limiting the use of cell phones while on the road. This is a waste of time because no one will abide by the law anyway. The instant they see a police officer, they can just set the phone down and resume the conversation as soon as they pass the police. Also, if talking on the phone while driving is so dangerous that there needs to be a law prohibiting it, then why aren't there laws against eating in the car? Or smoking in the car? State officials need to really think about their opposals before submitting them because they think only of one main point, but don't take into account all the other smaller points that are basically the same. 5 states proposed measures to restrict cellular telephones in motor vehicles. Legislation varied in severity from proposals that would ban all use in vehicles, to requirements for hands-free devices, phone call length restrictions, requirements to keep one ear free, solicitation restrictions and improved data collection" (Sundeen). By allowing every person to be responsible for themselves and observant
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Approximate Word count = 1454
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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