Spring Break
Text smart- not behind the wheel
Tyler Vogler
Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Opinion
Millions of text messages are sent every day. A feature that was once considered a novelty on cell phones now seems like second nature, another ingrained aspect of our daily lives. Opposable thumbs have never had this kind of workout.
Although some might find a person's constant fiddling with cell phone keys annoying, texting can be useful. In certain situations, like a crowded bus or boring classroom, texting can be simpler and more polite then dialing your friend and striking up a conversation.
For a lot of us, text messaging has replaced phone conversations altogether. Unfortunately, as texting becomes more natural, we tend to forget common sense as we type away.
Take, for example, an MSNBC poll of 50,000 people that found 32 percent said they drive and text at the same time.
I've done it. I'm sure that we've all done it. After all, who can resist checking your inbox when you hear that familiar ringtone? It's become a knee-jerk reaction.
I think people fail to realize the consequences of texting while driving.
I don't care how talented a driver you think you are, or how well you think you can text. For the minute that you are texting, your attention is taken off the road, which makes driving mistakes easier to occur.
Every year, there are hundreds of examples of accidents caused because of texting while driving. After a year-long investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board released findings that a Los Angeles Metrolink commuter train crash that killed 25 people (including the driver) and injured 138 others was caused because the driver of the train was texting.
A few years ago, when cell phones exploded in popularity, several states took up charge against talking while driving, banning the driver's use of cell phones unless he or she had a hands-free unit.
Five states have enacted similar bans on texting and seven others have laws "pending." Illinois is not on the list. Even though the laws are on the books, one study found there was little enforcement being done.
When you get behind the wheel, think. Look around at the other cars and realize the possible danger that you are putting them (and yourself) in. When you're typing away, it is so easy to let the wheel slip, miss the next car's brake lights or drift into the oncoming lane.
I know it's extremely old-fashioned to say, but can't the text message wait?
Although some might find a person's constant fiddling with cell phone keys annoying, texting can be useful. In certain situations, like a crowded bus or boring classroom, texting can be simpler and more polite then dialing your friend and striking up a conversation.
For a lot of us, text messaging has replaced phone conversations altogether. Unfortunately, as texting becomes more natural, we tend to forget common sense as we type away.
Take, for example, an MSNBC poll of 50,000 people that found 32 percent said they drive and text at the same time.
I've done it. I'm sure that we've all done it. After all, who can resist checking your inbox when you hear that familiar ringtone? It's become a knee-jerk reaction.
I think people fail to realize the consequences of texting while driving.
I don't care how talented a driver you think you are, or how well you think you can text. For the minute that you are texting, your attention is taken off the road, which makes driving mistakes easier to occur.
Every year, there are hundreds of examples of accidents caused because of texting while driving. After a year-long investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board released findings that a Los Angeles Metrolink commuter train crash that killed 25 people (including the driver) and injured 138 others was caused because the driver of the train was texting.
A few years ago, when cell phones exploded in popularity, several states took up charge against talking while driving, banning the driver's use of cell phones unless he or she had a hands-free unit.
Five states have enacted similar bans on texting and seven others have laws "pending." Illinois is not on the list. Even though the laws are on the books, one study found there was little enforcement being done.
When you get behind the wheel, think. Look around at the other cars and realize the possible danger that you are putting them (and yourself) in. When you're typing away, it is so easy to let the wheel slip, miss the next car's brake lights or drift into the oncoming lane.
I know it's extremely old-fashioned to say, but can't the text message wait?
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