In today’s age of handheld tablets, smartphones and other forms of portable technology, people have a difficult time disconnecting. However, if there is any place that it is most important to avoid technology use, it is the road. Cell phone or tablet usage while driving is very distracting, and can lead to fatal accidents, harming not just the driver himself, but also potentially harming his passengers, passengers in other vehicles and pedestrians. As of September 1, 2015, the penalties for distracted driving include a fine between $490 and $1000, as well as three demerit points.1 Novice drivers found driving distractedly can have their license suspended for over 30 days, and if second and third convictions occur, the driver may even have their license cancelled. The government enforced these laws to discourage drivers from using their devices while in car. However, it should take more than fees and …show more content…
It also includes adjusting the station or volume of the radio, submitting information into a GPS, making a phone call, watching television, browsing the internet, adjusting air conditioning and heating, eating, drinking, smoking, reading maps, grooming, and even speaking to the vehicle’s passengers.2 Many (but not all) of these activities are prohibited because they require use of the driver’s hands or vision. Others (like speaking with passengers) takes the driver’s attention away from the road and towards their conversation. This is why few behaviors are permitted while driving, and one can only make a call if it is on a hands free device or in the case of an emergency. While legal, it is still not advised to make hands free calls unless necessary, as these conversations can take the driver’s attention away from driving. Just as motorists are strongly discouraged not to drive while angry, upset or tired, it is unwise to drive while engaged in