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Harvard University found that about 5 percent of car-related accidents in the United States involve the use of a cellphone. Though hands-free cellphones are safer than traditional handheld models, drivers should consider the relative differences between hands-free and handheld models to decide whether the convenience of either type of phone is worth the risk.
Washington, D.C., passed the hands-free driving law on July 1, 2004. All drivers are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones while driving, and violations are punishable with fines. Failure to pay fines can result in revocation of a driver's license. Officers will pull over a motorist talking with a hand-held phone even if they are not violating any other traffic laws.
With the rise in popularity of cell phones, more people find it routine to talk on their cell phones or to send a text message while driving their car. While you may think of this as multitasking, driving while talking on your cell phone or texting can be hazardous to your health or illegal. Most of America has some form of legislature on talking on cell phones or text messaging while driving. Because of this, hands-free devices have also gained popularity and make driving while talking on the phone safer and, in some states, legal.
Cell phone usage has contributed to numerous traffic violations, accidents and deaths in the United States. Several states are taking steps to create legal rules and regulations to restrict cell phone use to create safer driving environments.
Today's teenagers stay connected with modern technology, including cell phones and text messaging. However, when teenagers get their driver's licenses, cell phone usage behind the wheel leads to dangerous driving. According to the National Safety Council, whose research made it to the Washington Post in 2010, more than one in four car accidents---or more than 1.4 million a year---are a result of drivers using phones behind the wheel.
The use of cellular phones has become extremely popular worldwide, especially in the United States. Through cell phones, people are able to communicate with each other at faster, more efficient rates. Not only that, cell phones have also provided certain innovations which made them not only a form of communication, but an entertainment console as well. The misuse of cell phones, however, has led users to certain issues, and because of this laws have been implemented to regulate their use.
Because motorists must listen for sirens from speeding emergency vehicles, demonstrate caution for pedestrians and other motorists, and obey all traffic signs and laws, it is illegal in many U.S. states for motorists to operate a moving vehicle while using a cell phone. Texting or talking on a cell phone while driving contributes to driver distractions and increases the probability of an accident. According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Motorists, "Motorists who use cell phones while driving are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves." Considered by many…
