Crime Theories Of Texting And Driving

This paper will address the crime problem of teenage driving and texting. A brief history and timeline of texting will be examined, followed by the effects of texting on driving and statistics associated with the practice. The teenage invincibility complex will be discussed and current policy effectiveness will be reviewed as it relates to criminological theories. The conclusion will provide possible policy solutions utilizing the general deterrence theory along with reintegrative shaming and social learning theory. In 1992 Neil Papworth sent the first text message to Richard Jarvis. Text messaging was originally and more technically known as short message system (SMS). This type of message was initially intended to aid the hearing impaired.

Girls are twice as likely as boys to engage in texting while driving (Colin, 2012), as opposed to the fact that males commit more other types of crimes than females. Delinquency in teenagers has also been associated with lower socioeconomic status. Cell phones and phone plans cost money and may not be seen as a necessity for a teenager from a lower class family. The ability to text and drive also requires that the teen have access to a car, to drive. These factors paint a picture of a working class or higher female who has their own car or a car to use, as opposed to a lower class male, which would be otherwise typical of criminal behavior. These reasons tie into the invincibility complex that was discussed earlier. The teen that is texting and driving would most likely not consider their actions to be harmful or dangerous, let alone criminal. Even if the teen knows that the act of texting and driving is illegal, they do not consider themselves criminals, but rationalize the act as normal behavior. Sykes and Matza introduced the idea of neutralizing bad behavior (Cullen, Agnew, & Wilcox, 2014). To give an example of how teenagers rationalize texting and driving would be easily done when compared to drinking and driving. According to the CDC, since 1991 the instances of teens drinking and driving have decreased by 54% (CDC, 2012). This would indicate the teenagers have not only understood the risks and consequences involved with drinking and driving, but they have also made conscious decisions to not partake in the behavior as well. They are not rationalizing or neutralizing drinking and driving. However, the effects that texting and driving has on a person’s ability is comparable, and in some cases, greater than drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driving and texting is six times or