Introduction
The reason why there is no need to add an “I am driving” instant message to the phone is that no one should ever even touch it while holding the steering wheel and pressing the gas pedal. I have watched a number of videos about the circumstances of car crashes, and many of my relatives teach me essential tips about this challenging process. People need to forget about their cell phones when they are in a driver’s seat because mobiles diminish self-awareness of impaired driving, distract, and reduce the chances of preventing an accident.
Main body
The first reason why putting away one’s phone while being on the road is significant is that it diminishes self-awareness of impaired driving. Researchers note that people do not realize that they violate road markings or traffic laws and cannot fix it immediately by stopping or getting back in their lane (Sanbonmatsu et al., 2016). Being in total control and aware of one’s own actions is the principal rule of driving.
The second reason why it is forbidden to use phones while being in a driver’s seat is that they distract from the road situation. It is proven that “anything that causes you to take your eyes off the road, even for a split second, is a dangerous distraction” (The National Safety Council, n.d.). Of course, a few seconds may seem unimportant, but anything can happen when one checks an incoming call.
The third reason for cell phones to become dangerous in a driver’s hand is that they reduce the chances of preventing an accident. On the road, even ten seconds maybe not be enough to prevent a car accident, and using a cell phone reduces this short amount of time (Sun & Jia, 2016). People can send a message, apologize for missing a call, or check their Instagram accounts when they stop, but there is no second chance for preventing a car crash or staying alive in it.
Conclusion
To draw a conclusion, one may say that using a mobile device should be strictly forbidden for drivers. Cars are extremely dangerous vehicles that require total concentration and quick reaction. Since cell phones reduce awareness and increase the chances of accidents, drivers should put them away and never use them while being on the road. I urge you to be careful and tell your friends and family members that their lives matter more than answering an incoming call or message.
References
The National Safety Council. (n.d.). Cell phones: The most dangerous thing on the road. Franciscan Health. Web.
Sanbonmatsu, D. M., Strayer, D. L., Biondi, F., Behrends, A. A., & Moore, S. M. (2016). Cell-phone use diminishes self-awareness of impaired driving. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 23(2), 617-623.
Sun, D., & Jia, A. (2016). Impacts of cell phone use on driving safety and drivers’ perception of risk. Journal of Modern Transportation, 24(2), 145-152.