Cellphone Distractions

Communication is defined as a process by which we assign and convey meaning in an attempt to create shared understanding. This process requires a vast repertoire of skills in intrapersonal and interpersonal processing, listening, observing, speaking, questioning, analyzing, and evaluating. Use of these processes is developmental and transfers to all areas of life: home, school, community, work, and beyond. It is through communication that collaboration and cooperation occur. (Wikipedia) So, by definition communication is a natural occurrence designed to deliver messages from one entity to another.

The advent of the cell phone has enhanced and significantly improved our day to day or minute to minute communication but they have also created a huge dangerous distraction. There are several reasons why cell phone usage should be curtailed and I will provide several sources to support my claim in the coming paragraphs. I will begin with letting you know that I have first hand experience with this phenomenon. I am constantly finding myself distracted while I am at the wheel no matter the time day or night. From urgent calls from the office to last minute text messages from one of the kids about a change in their football, basketball, volleyball or band practice schedules. My phone is my single greatest communication tool but, also my most dangerous distraction especially behind the wheel. Just the other day I was driving and almost swerved off the road because the car in front of me had stopped suddenly and I had to maneuver around them before I crashed. As I passed them I scowled in their direction and to my dismay it was a teenage girl text-ing. My heart sank and my blood boiled at the same time.Last year, I watched a local news report on a Fox 4 by reporter Lynn Kowano, entitled “Cell phone distractions”. The angle of the story was clear and the message was intended to help younger more inexperienced drivers learn about the hazards of driving while carrying on cell phone conversations. John Kennedy of National Safety
Council said “80% of all collisions are the results of some type of distractions;
probably the biggest one right now is cell phone use.” Lynn’s story also talked about how local driving instructors can create classes designed to show teens ways to reduce the distractions of the cell phone. They hope by using real world scenarios behind the wheel with seasoned instructors they will empower young drivers
tremendously and effectively stop any bad driving habits before they start.

In 2008, the head of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Dr. Ronald B. Herbman made national headlines when he issued a staunch warning to his faculty and staff about the use of such devices because of the dangerous electromagnetic waves created by cell phones when they triangulate to get their wireless signal. However, many in the renowned cancer research community are not as convinced as Dr. Herbman, yet. In an Associated Press report found on ABCnews.com, the good doctor was quoted saying, “Really at the heart of my concern is that we shouldn’t wait for a definitive study to come out but err on the side of being safe rather than sorry later.” (ABCNews) I agree with him wholeheartedly. There are several things that can be done at the local level almost immediately, without significant costs that can have a great affect on the overall use of the distracting but useful cell phone. First, city councils can enact ordinances that prohibit cellphone use during high traffic times and also in school zones. The fledgling United States car industry can integrate affordable hands-free equipment in their new more energy efficient vehicles. They can also enable automatic shut-off mechanisms that detect when the conversations are overly distracting the driver and immediately disable the cell phone unless there is an emergency. Concerned citizens can also form coalitions to limit cell phone usage by kids under the age of twelve. Other local government organizations can give their residents credits with the city for electrical or water services if they reduce their cell phone use by ten percent. Churches can have monthly, “Mute the Cell Phone” gatherings for families with activities oriented for children so that they learn to communicate from face to face direct social interactions rather than text-ing.
In closing, the need to limit the use of cell phones especially when driving can not be over stress or considered. If we truly want to make our society safer for the next generation, we must learn to use technology for its’ complete intended good and stop creating unnecessary distractions to our endless commutes through the communication cycle.