Distracted driving free essay sample

According to the New York Times, using a phone while operating a vehicle puts drivers at four times the risk of crashing as other drivers. The likelihood that the crash would happen is the same as someone with a . 08 percent blood alcohol level (where drivers are considered to be intoxicated) (Richtel 1). A 2003 Harvard study estimated that 330,000 car accidents occurred in the United States with moderate and severe injuries among the victims as a result of cell phone use. Another 2,600 cell phone related accidents resulted in a death (Richtel 1). The problem is that most drivers over estimate their ability to multi-task. Their consciousness is quickly divided as soon as their attention is focused on things other than the road. Distracted driving is not just limited to cell phone use while driving. It can include behaviors such as shaving, eating, drinking, talking, or even listening to the radio. With these behaviors, both hands may not be on the wheel, eyes may not be fixed on the road, or attention could be transfixed on other noises and surroundings. I really don’t think that they truly understand the danger that they are putting themselves or other drivers in. Although a drive thru may be a faster and more convenient way to pick up supper, eating while driving can be very dangerous.When digging through your fast food bag, you have to take your eyes off of the road; this can result in swerving or wrecking into another driver. Another example of why eating and driving is dangerous is that when you drop a piece of food or some type of condiment on you, your first instinct is to remove it or wipe it up. Again, this can result in taking your eyes off of the road and possibly crashing. If so, just think about the effects that would cause if you were watching a video while driving. There are many ways this form of distraction can affect you while operating a vehicle. For example, you only need to take your eyes off of the road for a split second in order to cause an accident or fall victim to an accident. The person in front of you may have hit their breaks to stop from hitting the little girl crossing the road to get the ball, you are watching a video and do not see them hit their breaks, you hit them going 55 miles an hour and they are pushed into the little girl.I know this is example is gruesome but, it is also very possible. Remember when driving to stay focused on the road and what you and other drivers are doing. I personally do not want to be the cause of an accident and I doubt any of you do either, so please people pay attention. That burger can wait until you get home and so can the movie, but most importantly, a text or phone call is not as important as a life, and whoever calls, if needed will call back. Thank you, Rachel Fregia