Due to the many hazards it has created, the increase of cell phone use, and the laws and restrictions that have been placed on the subject; texting while driving has become a major topic of discussion. There is a staggering number of automobile accidents and deaths involving distracted driving, and data recorded by the government shows that, “In 2014, 3,179 people were killed, and 431,000 were injured,” (Facts and Statistics). The reality of the terrifying effects of texting while driving is eye opening, and a reason why this topic needs to be addressed. Many commentators attribute the rise of distracted driving to the almost universal popularity of cellphones, and according to Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, “By some estimates, Americans sent and received more than one trillion text messages in 2009.” This means that texting while driving has a greater chance of putting people at risk and a greater chance of causing accidents and problems, which is why it has become a major debate topic in our society. …show more content…
In the U.S., California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia (plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands) have fully outlawed in-vehicle handheld phone use. Dozens of states have banned cell phone use by minors and bus drivers. Many other attempts at strong state legislation have failed or been tabled..” (Cell Phone Use Distracts Drivers). Due to many other countries around the world fully banning the use of cellphones while driving, it raises the debate in the U.S. if we should do the same or find an alternative