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A hotly debated question we might ask ourselves these is: Is using a cell phone while driving far more dangerous than drunk driving?    In these times when it’s hard to keep up with the ever changing technology, this becomes a critical question and we often ponder on this issue but cannot find a plausible answer. The emotions and politics behind this debatable issue have been the most controversial in the technology arena and have been mired to the point of becoming indistinguishable. The subjective stories and questionable statistics have left researchers or “inquisitive” people with some unrealistic and albeit unfounded beliefs. So where does this all lead us? Politicians around the world and the United States have started imposing major cell phone laws which ban cellular phone usage behind the wheel to prohibit any form of distracted driving. But did these laws really bring a great change and the revolution they were hoping for? The sad answer is a “no.” Police have admitted that enforcing such laws can be really very tough. They have repeatedly failed because of the lack of power and rapidity to catch a driver using a cellular phone behind the wheel.

Surprisingly, evidence shows that using hands-free while driving also gives the same level of distraction as drivers using handheld cell phones. So this confirms that ANY distraction while driving is detrimental. This might sound funny but banning hands-free cell phone use would mean that cops will try to pull over anyone who appears to be mumbling to himself! And we know there are some crazies out there! So, we do think that these laws should stick to handhelds to justify the police and help them make roads safer! (We’re talking, reality?!) 

One facet which is intricately linked to this problem, is the road infrastructure. But are roads safer these days? We can all see shabby drivers speeding across the streets with mobile phones glued to their ears. Cell phones are being manufactured and sold at an alarming rate which has given the media a concrete and tangible reason to make these laws justifiable. Various media reports show that many fatal accidents occur due to cellular phone misuse. This is why most people have started assuming that using cell phones while driving is the major cause for severe crashes. This is a common belief on which anti-cell phone laws have been founded and put into effect for enforcement.

Now, let’s talk about the real facts or statistics. Many studies have failed to prove that driving with a cell phone equals drunk driving. There is just no parallel to be made, in terms of social responsibility and culpability, between drunk driving and cell phone usage while driving. A 2001 University of North Carolina study discovered that cell phone use only contributed a tiny 1.5% in distracted accidents, which is based on a completely falsified the irrational belief. Unbelievably, the much larger risks were: outside occurrences, passengers in the vehicle or simply drivers adjusting the stereo, CD players or reaching for that hamburger or those fries which fell on the car floor! Apparently, having children as passengers is considered a greater risk than cellular phone misuse! Luckily, there are no laws which suggest prohibiting kids from private vehicles (Pun, intended!) It’s easier to put the blame on the flourishing cell phone market than to accept the hard facts and back them up with some empirical data.

A new Harvard study shows that accidents due to cell phone misuse only accounts for 6% as a whole. The researcher, in this particular study, stated that cell phone accidents are far less risky for an individual in comparison to the public health issues that this debate holds. It was also shown that data in this study is very wide and questionable but cannot displace the old concept or beliefs. This research sets a great example for many drivers and urges them to carry a positive attitude along with values while using their cell phones on the road. Instead of naively accepting cell phone bans it would be better to bring a change with an optimistic outlook and proper road ethics. Safe driving is for everyone and should be advocated relentlessly.

So, the obvious question: Can you be in safe hands while using your cell phone on the road? The answer is a Yes, provided you are responsible and keep you eyes on the road at all times!

Tags: cell phone bans, cell phones, mobile phones, cellular phone, drivers using handheld cell phones