Rotunda Project Blog 11

One of the more serious social issues today have to do with using a cell phone while operating a car. Besides the fact that cell phone use is illegal while driving, using one only provides an extra distraction that teen drivers do not need. Teenage overconfidence encourages reckless activities including speeding, lane cross overs, red light running and tailgating especially with loud music and a car load of their friends. Teens already drive in crazy ways and using a cell phone can only make it worse. Often times young drivers think nothing can happen to them while they drive, as I have been in the car with many friends who text and drive. Statistics show that teens are 4x more likely to get into an accident while texting or talking on the phone.

I think teens should speak up if their friend is giving them a ride and they feel extremely uncomfortable with their driving habits. The problem is only 44% of teens say that they would speak up if someone were driving in a way that scared them. In 2011 and 2012, more then 6,000 people were killed in crashes that involved a distracted driver.

Almost every state now has enacted stricter laws against cell phone use. I know in NYS, 5 points are put on your license (resulting in a MAJOR insurance bump) and also a hefty fine. If you are a young driver, your insurance company can drop you, which is obviously a problem because it is illegal to drive without insurance. The problem is that some drivers both young and old feel naive and that they won't get caught by police or they won't cause a major accident and injure themselves and others.

One major tip that I think can truly help is either turn the cell phone completelt off or put it where it cannot be seen. You will be more inclined to pick it up and start using it if you hear it buzzing off in the cup holder.