TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1999

Cell phone drivers hazardous

Automobile accidents are on the rise and statistics show that an increase of people driving while talking on the phone may be the cause.

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Tawnie Tran

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Records show that the number of injuries from these types of careless accidents continue to soar.

There is nothing more irritating than a careless driver on a cellular phone. These drivers are usually swerving erratically and slowing down for absolutely no reason.

What is even worse, is these people drive below the speed limit, holding up traffic.

This kind of inconsiderate behavior is where road rage begins.

By now most people have a cellular phone. While useful in an emergency, portable phones have definitely become a driving hazard.

I did a survey on campus and asked people what they thought. Eight out of ten people said cellular phones could be dangerous in traffic.

Many students said they do not drive recklessly while on the phone.

My guess is those people are probably the ones in the right lane driving 55 mph on the freeway.

When someone is engaged in a telephone conversation they tend to lose full concentration, which leads to a delay in reaction.

Failure to react promptly on the road is harmful not only to the driver, but also to other drivers and pedestrians on the street.

At present time, there is no law that stops people from using cellular phones in cars, but should there be?

There would not be a need for a law if drivers used a little more caution and some common sense.

Wireless phones will never be banned, but people should set limitations on when to use them. For example, only use the phone in an emergency or in light traffic, not during rush hour.

A driver can always pull over to the side of the rode to make a call.

It is beneficial to keep in mind that you are not the only person on the road.

And one last thing, think consideration, not convenience, while driving.

Tawnie Tran is a public relations journalism major.