Drivers: Looking or Seeing?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now putting pressure on the Federal Government to pass and enforce laws on banning the use of all electronic devices (i.e. cell phones, ipods) while driving (Distracted Drivers). They argue that even using a hands-free device is distracting. Having a conversation with passengers, children, drinking and eating, and looking outside are all distractions. Although most people see having a conversation on the phone (hands-free) and a conversation with a passenger similar, they support their argument for conversing with a passenger safer than conversing over the cell phone. CNN states,

"A passenger is "an extra set of eyes," and can moderate their conversation during challenging driving periods, unlike a person on a phone, Fisher said. They can serve as a collision avoidance system, "pointing out hazards and screaming in the extreme case," said Lee."

Distractions to drivers have existed since vehicles have existed. The technology that is advancing constantly in our society is increasing and adding more than just "scenery distractions". Facebook, email, twitter, and other social networks that can now be accessed through cell phones contribute to notifications drivers receive on their cellular devices. Not only is the radio a distraction by taking your hand off the wheel to change the station but now taking your eyes off the road to look for the play list on your ipod is adding to drivers distractions.

I do agree with the no texting while driving law that a lot of states have passed recently. I believe that they need a better way of prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving. Most states have a fine but drivers still text. In most cases they do not impose a fine until something has happened where they see their phone history to see what the cause of the accident was. I don't think it prevents drivers from using their cell phones, but it promotes them to hide it more. It can make it even more dangerous because they are now hiding their cell phone and still trying to text which has their eyes wandering further from where the should be paying attention to.

The U.S. Government and policies needs to keep up with how fast technology is evolving today. Each step further we advance in technology, brings us to a new level of possible problems. We need to develop a new effective system that is up to date with our world and advancing technologies.

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