Cell phone use while driving should stay legal activity

Thank you Mirza and to the forum. As we close our debate, I would like to first comment on my opponents rebuttals and well documented arguments. Then I will close with my final thoughts. I will kindly disagree about the statement Mirza made in paragraph 1 rebuttal: "To me, this is like saying that we should not try to find a cure for AIDS, because there is still cancer, polio, lupus, and so forth." --> In this statement, Mirza is comparing driving distractions to AIDS which seems to be a drastic comparison. Contracting or being born with a disease is not the same as choosing to engage in distracting driving behavior. We are progressing in identifying new ways to "cure" driver distractions. Blue tooth phones and voice activated controls are examples. The comparison that is mentioned by Mirza is mute. Why do we need a law to tell us that it's wrong and unsafe? How about this... if we want to ensure that no one uses a cell phone in hand while driving, create a law that addresses the car and the cell phone companies. "From this day forward, to ensure driver and pedestrian safety, all new cars come equip with built in speaker phones -voice activated, and cell phones shall not transmit a call nor text if going over the speed limit of 30 mile per hour unless transmitted through the car." Temptation removed, distraction eliminated. Why can't it be a law upon manufacturing companies instead of on the people? Paragraph 2- We are not allowed to drive on other people's property because it's other people's property. It's against the law because it's my property. The limits are in place because of rights of ownership, not because of safety. Road safety analysts predict that by 2030, when all baby boomers are at least 65, they will be responsible for 25% of all fatal crashes. In 2005, 11% of fatal crashes involved drivers that old. [1] Should we place a law now to make it illegal to drive when you are older than 65? I'd still like to point out the mixed messages that many states are more than happy to tweet you with up-to-the-minute directions on how to steer clear of a traffic jam. At least 22 states that ban texting while driving offer some type of service that allows motorists to get information about traffic tie-ups, road conditions or emergencies via Twitter (DeMillo, 2009). As stated in round 2 While I agree Rome was not built in a day, the baby steps in this war against distracted driving should not start legislating a device that will, in a couple years, be more advanced and will not be much of a factor. Let's identify and target activities that have been happening since the creation of the automobile. More than 80% of drivers admit to blatantly hazardous behavior: changing clothes, steering with a foot, painting nails and shaving. (Nationwide Mutual Insurance Survey) [2] People also admit to eating, using mp3 players, applying makeup and engaging in other distracting behaviors. There are many distractions and some by personal choice, others by equipment such as the GPS, and some that are not controllable, such as passengers. Education on how to ignore distractions and drive distraction free is what we should be focusing on. Fatigue is a cognitive distraction that is extremely dangerous. Many accidents are caused by driver fatigue, and police officers even report pulling over drivers for DUI and finding out they are just sleepy. If you are drowsy―especially from medication―then you need to get off the road. [3] It's not illegal. It is easier for you to control the inside of your vehicle. For example, you can make a decision to establish a pre-trip routine to set your radio buttons, mirrors, and seat before you drive. You can also decide not to eat in the car, answer the cell phone, or play movies.[3] It is your responsibility and the responsibility given to you when you receive your driver's license. I will conclude my side of this debate by once again thanking my opponent and this forum. Works cited [1] http://www.usatoday.com... [2] http://www.negligentdriving.com... [3] http://www.dmv.org... DeMillo, A. (2009, Sept 20). Mixed Messages on Texting and Driving. Retrieved from Associated Press and ABC News website as mentioned in round 2