Sharon Heit, a mother of a texting while driving victim, once said “In a split second you could ruin your future, injure or kill others, and tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you”. The topic of whether or not the use of a cellular device while driving should have tougher laws, is very controversial among people. As of today, only 14 states in America have a total ban on the use of a hand-held cellphone while driving. All cell phone usage while driving should be considered a primary offense, with a greater penalty.
Using a cellular device while driving is more dangerous than most people think. It can cause very harmful and detrimental situations. “ An estimated 450,000 people were killed or injured last year in distracted driving accidents” (Hasley). These numbers are proof that is isn’t something that should be taken lightly and accidents happens more often than thought. Many studies have been taken to prove that texting while driving is even more dangerous than driving while under the influence. A test was taken to show the comparison between drunk driving and using a cell phone and driving. A red light was turned on to indicate when the driver should stop. “For legally drunk drivers four feet was needed to be added. An additional 36 feet was necessary for reading an e-mail, and added 70 feet was needed for sending a text” (Hopkins).
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However, others will argue that police officers will accuse drivers of being on their phones and it would be solely based on their word. Some states already have it as primary offense and it is shown to work. “Maryland has one of the harshest penalties for texting while driving... It’s considered a primary offense. It also carries a $500 fine” (Somers). By making the use of a cell phone and driving a primary offense, the fines increase which helps to prevent it from happening, because drivers do not want to have to pay the