Contenu
ing has become a major means of communication. Kids and adults alike can all be seen feverishly tapping out after . Unfortunately, many of these people often take their ing into the car. While this may seem to be multitasking, there are several disadvantages to doing so. Not the least of these are the facts that ing while driving is distracting and, in many states, illegal.
Distraction
People think they are good at multitasking, but in fact, the opposite is true. Like a computer, the human brain can only do one thing at a time, so multitasking is really just switching between two tasks as fast as possible. Unfortunately, the brain cannot perform these functions as quickly as a computer. Because both driving and ing require concentration, neither gets the attention it truly needs. This can cause the ing and, more importantly, the driving to suffer.
Dangerous
ing while driving requires the driver to continually take her eyes off the road. The driver must also use a hand for ing, which means it is not being used to control the car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2008, there were 5,870 deaths and another 515,000 people injured in accidents where distracted driving was a factor. ing while driving is distracted driving.
Expensive
Anyone who has had an accident knows how expensive it can ultimately be. At the very least, even minor repairs to an automobile can be very costly. Liability for injuries to passengers, people in other vehicles and pedestrians can run into thousands of dollars. Increases in insurance premiums due to accidents are another cost that must be factored in.
Its Against the Law
To deal with the issue of ing drivers, many states enacted laws that specifically prohibit it. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports that, as of 2011, 34 states have enacted anti-ing laws. Of those, 31 states consider it a primary offense; meaning an officer can make a stop based solely on ing while driving. It is often only a citation offense with a small fine, but a ticket is always a hassle. Several states are taking the issue so seriously that they brag about having "the toughest ing law in the country." New Jersey and New York will increase fines into the hundreds of dollars and increase points against the drivers license; with repeat offenders facing license suspension. Utah, however, has made ing while driving a crime. If a driver is ing and kills someone, it is treated the same as if a drunk driver did it and carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
