Collegian

In the year 2006, one thing that attracts people more than ever is the changing technology.  Commercials everywhere advertise the latest products and accessories. Our society is becoming more fast-paced and mobile with each day.

 Cell phone usage has played a role as a cause for some accidents.

According to The Insurance Information Institute website, www.iii.org, as of December 2005 over 200 million people used cell phones in the United States.

Many states have made laws that either prohibits or limits car phone usage while driving. New York made the first law in 2001, said www.iii.org.  North Olmstead and Brooklyn, Ohio have passed cell phone restrictions.

Ohio has no state laws banning cell phone usage, said www.ncsl.org.

Some argue that hands-free devices make driving safer. Dong-Chul Seo, a lecturer at the Indiana University Department of Applied Health Science researched cell phone usage and driving accidents after being a victim of one himself. (www.indiana.edu.

Seo focused his research on college students. He surveyed nearly 1,300 college students from five universities on their driving records and use of cell phones.

The number of reported accidents or near-accidents involving cell phones was close to national numbers; 159, or 13 percent of the respondents who were drivers. 

He found that accidents with cell phones occurred more often the longer the conversation. Second, he found that accidents with cell phones have more often involved hands-free models rather than hand-held cell phones, according to www.indian.edu.

People have many differing opinions on this subject. A 2005 survey conducted by Farmers Insurance Group confirmed many of the 2003 Gallup poll results.  The Farmers survey found that 87 percent of adults believe that using a cell phone impairs a person's ability to drive.

More than 80 percent of drivers admitted their competence behind the wheel suffers when they are subjected to distractions, and 83 percent of respondents acknowledged their ability to concentrate on driving is compromised by such activities as eating or drinking, talking on their cell phones, and adjusting their radios or CD players.

  In addition, more than 70 percent of survey respondents said motorists who use hand-held cell phones, read newspapers or operate in-dashboard computers while driving should be subject to a penalty or fine.

There should be some limitations for people talking on phones and driving.

It might save people money on insurance premiums, traffic tickets, auto repair, and possibly hospital bills.

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