I have always and will always discourage distracted driving. It’s an idiotic thing that can result in serious injury, hospitalization, and even death. Many people consider distractions such as eating, drinking, and using a phone negligible threats. Using a technological device while driving has become a societal norm. This hazard has become increasingly popular among young adults and teenagers do to social media. Using social media and technology while driving has become so popular, Snapchat itself had to address the issue, starting the slogan: “Don’t snap and drive.” People confuse “low risk” with no risk. When one is young she is taught to buckle her seatbelt as soon as she enters the car and always look both ways. Now the chances of getting hit by a car or getting into an accident may seem slim to none, but people still take precautionary measures. The same logic should be applied to distracted driving because the one time you’re wrong is the only time that counts. People need to practice not using their phones so often, especially while driving. There are many alternatives and if all else fails, pull over. With all the modern technology out such as Siri and Bluetooth earpieces, both eyes should remain on the road. Additionally, if you’re a numbers person such as myself these statistics should be encouragement enough: drivers using their cell phones cause approximately 1.6 million accidents annually, 25% of car crashes are caused by using a mobile phone while driving, and using a cellular device is 6 times more likely to result in a crash than driving while intoxicated. It’s even more detrimental for teens. Teens are 5 times more likely to get into an accident if they drive while distracted, and 11 teenagers are killed daily as a result of texting and driving. These atrocities can easily be prevented. Every day we lose loved ones because an ignorant person decided they wanted to record a Snapchat or send a “quick text”. Is a 10 second video worth a life? Will all the views of that story be equivalent to the views of the casket during the funeral? Is that perfect lighting enough for you to prevent someone else from ever seeing the light of day again? It’s not worth it. Think of all the pain that will be caused the one time you’re wrong and your motor skills fail you; when you just looked away for a second and couldn’t press the break in time. I understand this is difficult for some people and may even seem frivolous but how much is a life worth? They’ve created apps and have automatic text messages send when a person is driving. This is a great tool for someone to use if they find it difficult to quit on their own. I beg you, please, don’t try to use your phone and drive. Life is a highway and you need to ride it distraction-free or there may not be a life tomorrow.

 

By: Mahira Morris