Driving with Cell Phones

Driving with a Cell Phone: the Risks and Payoffs

The risks of driving with cell phones are small when compared to the other risks faced while driving. Emergency situations, drunk drivers, falling asleep on the road, and worried drivers can pose greater threats to drivers on the road.

Emergency situations
When faced with a hazardous predicament such as a car wreck or lawless behavior, cell phones like Nextel might save lives. Wireless services permit drivers to be "good Samaritans" to others. The driver can quickly contact 911 and forewarn police to the scene.

One study done by Harvard, noted "that the cost of banning cellular phone use while driving is about $700,000 for each quality-adjusted life year saved. That is 30 times more expensive than achieving the same public health benefit with driver airbags, and ten times more expensive than achieving that benefit by keeping the speed limit on interstate highways at 55 instead of 65 MPH." Based on data from this study, shunning Cingular cell phone use or other carriers would be more to our detriment than advantage. ( harvard.edu/press/release/press0724000.html )

Drunk Drivers
When an inebriated driver is free to roam the road, the threat to other drivers is increased. The writers at Harvard have estimated that the average risk of being hit by a driver using a cell phone is six point four in a million per year. "That is 80% less than the average risk of fatality to a driver with a blood alcohol level of .10%." Drivers with wireless phones can quickly call for help so that others could be kept safe.

Falling Asleep
Many automobile accidents happen when a driver falls asleep at the wheel. Most of the time, the person is by themselves and there is no communication with another passenger. Verizon cellular phone users can call up a friend or spouse to pass the time and keep them from falling asleep. When using hands-free devices, the driver feels like they are merely talking with a passenger. The driver is able to stay awake and prevent a car accident.

Peace of Mind
A driver with quick access to a wireless phone like T Mobile can have peace of mind while driving. If you have car problems such as a flat or run out of gas and a cell phone can save your life. There is less worry about road rage drivers as an individual can protect themselves with a phone call. Parents can contact children at home and feel assured that they are safe. Drivers could also call to ensure others that they are safe and are merely running late or have a few more errands to finish.

Before we are too quick to disallow the use of cellular phones while driving, we should realize what the ban could potentially cost. If you had a teenage daughter on the road, would you be more worried about her using the cell phone or the other potential dangers she might face on the road? In this world, I wouldn't want my children driving without a cell phone and the best cellular phone services feasible. The solution is that we should be more educated, of when and how to safely use a cell phone while driving. Just a few things to think about ...

Catherine Duke, B.S.

Recommended Resources
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