Don't Prohibit Their Use

Sara Tillman
June 29, 2007
In Chapter 17 of our book there are two points of view about cell phones. Once side argues that cell phones should be banned because of the increases accidents and even deaths because of cell phone use in cars. The other side states that the cell phones aren't the thing to blame. Each author makes many valid points, but I believe that cell phones shouldn't be banned. The article "Yes, Prohibit Their Use" states that "as of summer 2000, it comes out to 450 to 1,000 fatalities each year" due to cell phone distracting the driver. However, Hahn and Tetlock state that the actual percentage of fatalities is "less than 1 percent of annual total". Furthermore, if we ban cell phones then we will have to ban every other car gadget that could be a distraction to driver. This includes G.P.S. systems, ipods, and even simply "tuning the radio" as Hahn and Tetlock say. The real problem isn't our "toys" like cell phones, the problem is us. Today it is very common to see people reading in cars, putting on makeup and doing other hazardous activities while driving. The billboard on the first page of chapter 17 says it best, it has a picture of a man in his car messing with his computer while going down the wrong lane of traffic. This billboard says "World's deadliest office. Just drive". This is a great message, and banning just cell phones will take the office out of the car.
Hahn and Tetlock disagree with the Congressional Quarterly's web site. They say that cell phones are not the ones to blame, and that they are actually beneficial to drivers. I agree that cell phones aren't to blame, but I don't think that the main concern about this issue is how much productivity we have increased in the office due to cell phones communication in the car. The real issue should be about how much safer a driver is with their cell phone accessible in the car. Two weeks ago I lost my cell phone and had to drive from Vermillion to Pierre, SD with no form of communication. This was the most horrifying trip of my life. If I would have had car trouble I would have to rely on someone else to help me, and anymore it is hard to know who can be trusted. Furthermore, cell phones are becoming hands free. This type of communication is the same as having a conversation with another person in the car. I have also heard of people calling in drunk drivers on their cell phones which is actually making the roads safer.