Texting and Driving

From “lol” to “ttyl”, teenagers all over the country are using texting as their number one form of communication. Texting has become the fastest way to keep up with friends, family and gossip but is any of that so important to be a distraction while driving? Some  that it is an addiction and they cannot help but do it. However, some  argue that it’s a dangerous distraction and a very irresponsible thing to do while behind the wheel. A survivor of a drunken driving accident, Desiree Golonka said, “it is just as bad as drinking and driving.” It has become the leading cause of accidents in the United States, especially with new drivers. Virginia and many other states are making texting and driving illegal. Although it has already claimed many lives, passing these laws could help save many more.

Parents all over the country have always been concerned about their childrens’ safety when they get in a car and drive off. Now they also have texting as one of their worries. Speaking to some T.C. parents, it is clear that the issue of texting and driving really worries them, “I don’t know if I will get a call one day from the police telling me that my child is hurt from an accident because she was distracted by her phone,” said Derege Wondimu, a parent of two T.C. students. After all, parents are the ones that usually provide the phone, so why don’t they just take it to keep their child safe? Well, according to some parents, a phone has become a necessity rather than a privilege in a teenager’s life. “As scared as I am of this texting while driving thing its very difficult to take the phone because it’s the only way I can keep up with my kids,” said Wondimu.

However, many teens will say that they can text and drive without being distracted by the phone. Sadly, so many people die each year that it’s hard to believe this statement 100% of the time. “I never was in a situation where I was distracted because of my phone. I usually only use it when I stop at a light,” said senior Yodet Yemane. Some are responsible enough to put their phone away, but for some teens it’s not as easy. “I am addicted! It’s so hard to put it away,” said Kebron Gattew.

Unfortunately, this does not only affect the driver of the car, it also affects other drivers and pedestrians as well. The new laws that are being passed should help decrease the number of deaths due to texting and driving, and may help teens be more cautious of their actions. These laws might even help save T.C. students from themselves.