Argumentative Essay On Distracted Driving

Does the technology installed in our vehicles stop distraction from the road or just make it worse? As technology continues to advance, it is increasingly incorporated into our daily lives, including our vehicles. Many car manufacturers have introduced features such as touch screens and voice activated controls to keep drivers connected while on the road. The technological advancements in our cars are portrayed to eliminate distracted driving and keep all individuals safe while on the road. These technologies are often marketed as a solution to distracted driving, when they can actually contribute to the problem, or even worsen the problem. Distracted driving is a big issue today. Even with these technological advancements, people are still

Touch screens and voice commands require the driver's attention and require them to take their eyes off the road and focus on the screen or microphone. This can take valuable seconds away from paying attention to the road ahead. Bryant agrees when he writes, “Oftentimes, discussions regarding distracted driving center around cell phone use and texting, but distracted driving also includes other activities such as eating, talking to other passengers, or adjusting the radio or climate controls”(Bryant 1). In other words, Bryant believes that distracted driving is not only caused by cell phone use but it can be a variety of other things. Cell phones are a big distraction while on the road, but so are a lot of other things. Some of these things may include; eating, talking with another passenger, adjusting climate controls, reaching for an object or device, “rubbernecking”, and so much more. Distracted driving is a huge problem today and so many components go along with it. Everyone should know the dangers of being distracted while on the road. You could be putting yourself and the other people around you at

For instance, while lane departure warning systems may prevent drivers from drifting off the road due to distraction or drowsiness, they do not encourage drivers to stay alert and focused during long drives. Paccione states, “We need to use the very technology under discussion to educate all stakeholders in the prevention effort on the brain science of technology. Children and adolescents who were raised with the internet explosion of information at their fingertips will likely internalize such data and use it to their benefit. Scare tactics will not solve the problem before us. Each scientific nugget, from the earliest applied research on attention and multitasking that took place on World War II pilots to current neuroimaging that maps brain activity during technology use, may open a door in the prevention effort”(Paccione 1). In making this comment, Paccione urges us to teach young kids that technology can be a threat to their future lives. They can use it to their benefit but they also need to learn the dangers of it and how it can distract you from living your life, or in this case, driving. Technology at a young age can cause future problems. These future problems can include distracted driving, which needs to be prevented, even at a young