Introduction
In today’s world, thanks to digitalization and technical globalization, alternative methods of communication to the standard one are available to almost everyone. It includes both communication on the Internet and the verbal and non-verbal use of means of communication, which is actively practiced by many drivers while on the road. The dangers of combining texting processes as one of the most popular methods of communication cannot be overstated. Distraction from the process of driving by using the functionality of a cell phone, especially reading and writing messages, is unacceptable and dangerous for the life of the driver and others.
Dilemma Analysis
In some ways, the popularity of this particular type of communication tends to decline. However, this is no reason to underestimate its danger, especially when one considers that it is replaced or partially replaced by other similar activities (Choudhary & Velaga, 2018). Some of the similar driver distractions involve more activities than just reading and writing. Viewing media files and choosing a reaction, comment, or emoji can have even worse results and occupy a driver’s attention for a more extended period of time.
Thus, any similar distractions combined under the concept of texting as an initial and primary example will be taken into account when analyzing the situation and forming conclusions. According to Oviedo-Trespalacios et al. (2018), with the development of personal technical devices, the list of tasks that drivers try to perform on the road has increased. The basic principle and argument can be considered the distraction of a person performing a risky action for a few seconds (Oviedo-Trespalacios et al., 2018). Analogous to this for understanding can be considered driving with eyes closed because attention is not concentrated on the road traffic. When distraction time and speed are taken into account, it is possible to calculate the distance a vehicle travels without driver control.
Attempts to justify such activity do not make sense. The main arguments of proponents of texting in the car are convenience and avoidance of long phone calls. However, convenience cannot be put above one’s life, and the lives of those around because an accident can occur in a few seconds at an average speed (Choudhary & Velaga, 2018). As for telephone conversations, they cannot be countered because they are a distraction, but much less so if the rules are followed. A headset or hands-free, with hands and eyes free for the driver, can provide acceptable traffic control.
Reflection
Based on personal experience and numerous observations, it is possible to emphasize the apparent danger of texting while driving. This juxtaposition is especially dangerous in residential areas where there are regulated or unregulated crosswalks or bicycle lanes. For example, an analysis of acceleration, braking, and steering provided by Choudhary and Velaga (2018) demonstrates insufficient responsiveness to react in a non-standard situation. Thus, the driver may not have time to make the necessary decision when a danger to himself or others arises. Creating a threat to another person’s life is, among other things, a violation of their rights.
Moreover, developments are being made to automate driving. Theoretically, such a format of driving, in which only simple control will be required of the driver, may allow for the occasional distraction of the driver. However, a fully patented and fully automated autopilot system for ground transportation does not yet exist. Therefore, it is too early to talk about it at this point.
Conclusion
Thus, texting while driving severely violates traffic rules and creates risky situations. Such activity should be condemned in an adequate society where people treat each other with respect and behave appropriately. The risk that appears in the process far exceeds all acceptable thresholds and should be minimized by strengthening the fight against drivers using a smartphone.
References
Choudhary, P., & Velaga, N. R. (2019). Effects of phone use on driving performance: A comparative analysis of young and professional drivers. Safety Science, 111, 179–187. Web.
Oviedo-Trespalacios, O., Haque, M. M., King, M., & Washington, S. (2018). Should I text or call here? A situation-based analysis of drivers’ perceived likelihood of engaging in mobile phone multitasking: Mobile phone multitasking engagement. Risk Analysis: An Official Publication of the Society for Risk Analysis, 38(10), 2144–2160. Web.