Are you driving drunk on your cell phone

Answer 1

I have experienced a scenario where I had to pick a call from my boss while driving. It was an important call and I could not have failed to pick. In spite of this, I heard the honking of cars behind as I had unconsciously slowed down thus causing a traffic jam. If there was a speeding car behind me, I am convinced that I would most likely have been overrun. Similar experience has not occurred when dealing with family members as our family driver always pulls aside before taking calls or have the automatic receivers mounted on his ears, thus he automatically receives the call while driving although he is also forced to slow down slightly.

Answer 2

The passing of laws that prohibit driving while on phone is justified in that research and personal experience, indicates that they are the near causes of accidents within the society. Empirical evidence also indicates that such experiences have contributed significantly to the many accidents that have been witnessed within the society. The public safety agencies and insurance agencies push for driving without using cell phones is thus justified and I would support it.

Answer 3

I agree with the findings of the studies that whether one is using hand-held mobile phones or other devices while talking is not a determinant as to whether this would cause an accident or not. Both are hazardous. Nevertheless, there exist differences between the manner in which speaking to a partner in a car is less risky as compared to talking over the phone. Psychologically, the people talking in the car with each other are aware of their surroundings while someone talking over the phone may be highly distracted, and hence not in a position to concentrate on what is going on in the surroundings.

Answer 4

In 2014 alone, 3179 people died in the US as a result of distracted driving according to the department of transport with the number expected to grow by 5% annually to 2020. The reports on US department of transport concerning fatalities are largely incorrect. This is based on the sample bias, where lawyers and insurance companies would like to incriminate customers to avoid meeting insurance costs. The victims may lack the power to negate accusations or lack legal representation and hence ends up losing the court battle. 

Response to other students posts

Learner 1

In her post, the learner failed to realize that distractions cause psychological stimuli that may force the driver to act in a manner that he could not have engaged in the absence of distraction.

Learner 2

The learner portrayed a good understanding of statics, noting that government reports are not devoid of assumptions and biases. This bias influences the validity and reliability of such data.