If You Make a Call, Make Sure To Say Goodbye

Introduction

When cell phones were first introduced to the public in 1983 -though they were huge, heavy and probably annoying to carry around, they made it easier for people to communicate.(Strayer12)Phones have come a long way now since they were made available to the public, from being simple, oversized and having black and white screens to now, in modern day 2011,being able to: play music, send text, picture and video messages and work applications such as Face book, YouTube, email and instant messaging (not the same as texting).

For decades now, though, phones have made it easier to get in contact with someone when they're on the go, phone related distractions have been the cause of accidents resulting in injuries and in many cases death. Phones may have become a convenient piece of technology to behold in these past decades, but they are quickly becoming a danger on the road (Bunn 862)

Distractions caused by technology include those caused by navigation systems or guidance, information relating to traffic and entertainment - such as radios, CD players and MP3 players - and not just phone calls and SMS. The next generation of devices called infotainment will be installed on board with the Internet and personal computing, including access to maps and 3D high-definition video(Beede 415).

Biomechanical distractions occur when the driver releases the steering wheel of one or both hands to manipulate an object (for example, to compose a text message), instead of focusing on physical tasks required by driving safely (Blanco 895)

Cell phones and safety

Distractions caused by cell phones remain the heart of the problem of distracted driving. As is the case for other distractions, cell phones can undoubtedly divert the attention of the driver of the road at a critical time if used while driving. The significant rise in fatalities pertaining to road accidents in The United States occurring due to cell phone usage while driving, have spark legislative action by policy makers to impose bans on cell phone usage while driving.(Drews 392)The use of cellular phones is one aspect among others of the larger issue of distracted driving. Cell phones are often targeted more than other distractions. (Stouts 450)

This may be due to the fact that the use of cellular phones is a phenomenon more visible than other forms of entertainment.Using a cell phone while driving requires a lot of attention from the driver, which is dangerous? Studies have shown that drivers distracted by using cell phones are unable to correctly estimate safe stopping distances, anticipate hazards and choose the right time to enter a highway.

Distraction can also be caused by the search or manipulation of a device. It is always advisable to park on the lower side to receive or make a phone call even if you use a cell phone hands free. Cell phone distractions can produce deficits in driving behavior and performance, mainly increasing the time it takes for drivers to respond to unexpected events. Reaction time is defined as “the time from the onset ...