Lexi Montanaro [Texting While Driving]

12. March 2010 by student.

While doing research in choosing a topic for my social problems project I came across the issue of TWD [texting while driving]. Almost every single website and every article that I came across had something negative to say about TWD. Statistics and proof with deaths and accidents in general are everywhere all over the Internet. The pictures and the stories, even some videos are horrible and terrifying to watch. There obviously has not been an effective enough solution to this problem because people are still dying and getting hurt everyday from accidents caused by texting and driving. Proposing a solution seems to be banning the use of cell phones in all ways while driving, but somehow even in the states that have already banned TWD it still occurs.

A study done in Utah came about when the idea of making the consequences of texting while driving the same as a DUI.

“The push for harsher penalties for texting while driving comes from studies showing using a cell phone on the road is as distracting as drunk driving. According to research, scientists claim talking on a cell phone is like driving with a .08% BAC, and texting is like having a .16% BAC. (Bethany Henderson, DUIattorneys.com)

“Punishments range by state. Many states impose a ticket which will go up in fines with repeat offenses. Utah has made the offense worth up to 15 years in prison if serious injury is caused. (Bethany Henderson, DUIattorneys.com)”.

It is shown that damages done by people who are using their phones and driving are severe enough to cause repercussions of a drunk driving accident so why not make the penalties for those causing the incidents be the same as drunk drivers. I personally believe that this is a great idea and that it could possibly save lives with the fear being instilled upon drivers that they are at risk of doing up for 15 years in prison for texting while driving.

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