This blog is not directly related to English, but it requires reading and perhaps commenting in English.Technology is wonderful and gives us many conveniences. But does the use of these modern conveniences require some responsibility in using them? A big issue in the USA is the use of cell phones while driving. As the risk of automobile accidents rises with the use of cell phones the debate has arisen as well as to whether we should be using cell phones while driving. People have very strong feelings both ways. The state of California, which is often the first state to come up with new laws, has made it illegal to use cell phones while driving. Some people argue that it takes their freedoms away. Others say it is necessary to reduce accidents. I am one who supports the California law and I hope it will be introduced to my state of Colorado.I have just been involved in an auto accident that further reinforces my belief in banning cell phone use while driving. This last Sunday morning my wife and I were returning home from church. The traffic light turned red and I stopped the car. About two seconds later my wife and I heard a very loud noise and felt a very strong impact thatpushed our car two or three feet to the right into a curb. Immediately after the impact, we saw a car driving very fast from the lane to our left. It was out of control. It was like the person had their foot on the accelerator. The car veered toward the left and crossed over three lanes toward the curb. It jumped over the curb and went over an embankment down a hill into the Platte River. The car ended wheels-up in the river. The young 17-year-old girl was trapped in the car, but was able to crawl out the window and swim to land. Several people rushed to help the driver of the car while we called emergency services.Luckily the girl was not injured very much. She could have been killed.We were unable to go to the girl because the police told us to remain with our car. But there were 5 fire trucks, 5 police cars and one ambulance to help. The police officer told us the girl amazingly was okay in spite of the ordeal. He said she admitted she looked down to use her cell phone, did not see us stopped, nor the red light. After she hit out car, she panicked and put her foot on the accelerator instead of the brakes. We were very glad she was okay. But now we have to buy a new car when we could not really afford to do that. The car was totaled, which means the total amount to fix the car was more than the value of the car., Insurance only gives a limited amount of money for buying a new car. A photo follows to show you the damage.So, due to the irresponsible use of a cell phone while driving, she almost killed herself and could have injured us. Luckily our seat belts prevented that. But now we face financial difficulties. I am sure she will face very angry parents. Why do I write this blog? I want to make everyone aware of how dangerous it is to use cell phones while driving, no matter how skilled a person thinks they are in doing this. I can understand the use of “hands-free” phone use. But even that is considered to be dangerous because the attention of the driver is divided between driving and talking (according to the American Auto Association in the USA). You may disagree with me, but I want you to be warned for your own safety.
Thanks for your blog entry. You are so right when you say a car can be a tool or a weapon. When I taught my children to drive I told them that was their choice - to use the car as a tool or a weapon. I think hands-free cell phone kits are a great idea. My son uses one.
It is coincidental that you entered this blog. We have relatives visiting our town and two nights ago a young girl went speeding through a red light while texting and crashed into their car as it went through a green light. Luckily they are not seriously injured but they had to go to the hospital to be check out. And the rental car is driveable, but damaged none the less. Their injuries were minor but they are in pain. It could have been worse. When will people learn to be more responsible with their freedoms? There is a law now in our state but you only are punished for cell phone usage if you were in an accident.
Eva,
It sounds to me like the people in S. Korea are more polite than many Americans. So many people here have bad manners or bad behavior with cell phones. But more and more the laws are being passed to encourage better behavior. I have learned a lot about S Korea this past year since I am tutoring a man from there who is living in the USA for educational purposes. We have become good friends.I think it would be a nice place to visit.
Here in South Korea we can answere the cell phone by using an earphone devise. we put it to our ear it's convient. using mobile phone will driving is it depeneds to the person, it's realy dangerous right, but see to it that just asnwering it in a short piriod of time theres noproblem about it. also if it is good after recieving just say later i will call you back. I'm driving now. In my case I never answered it as much as possible. or just stop temporarily and answere the call. and also for bus comuter we used to turned off the mobile phone because some off the comuters are sleeping and some are reading a books we don't want to disturb them and we also don't want to hear any comuters to talk while we are in the bus. for the safeteness will maybe it's advisable to prevent it ( using M.Phone while driving is dangerous.
Dear Teacher,
I am pleased to hear that you are willing to lend a hand to improve my English. Also good to hear your thoughts on my photos. Definitely I will write to you.
Hardi,
I have already run out of my two sons andone daughter-in-law. I have only one daughter-in-law left to sell. If I have to sell her, I will have to sell my wife next and then I will be alone.
I don't know if anybody will read this old blog, but to update everyone, the state of Colorado passed a law against using cell-phones while driving. We can use hand-held cell-phones only. It is about time.
I am sorry to hear the accident and the damage of your car. I am glad to hear you and your family was okay
As California, in New South Wales, using mobile while driving is illegal too. The law only allows us to use hand-free system while driving. I totally agreed your point of view about driving and using mobile is not safety.
I have been quite busy and not able to answer everyone who commented. But I really appreciate each and every comment. To sum up what everyone has said, I think we generally agree that this is a potentially dangerous practice. I am glad to hear that many countries have laws against this practice. In the USA each state makes its own laws. I am glad to say that my state, Colorado, is making a law against this practice.
But as far as personal responsibility, it really is important to weigh the risk. Should we put the need to talk while driving over the safety of ourselves, our loved-ones who ride with us or other drivers we may injure? It really is not that great a sacrifice when we consider that people are more important than phone calls. Thanks, all of you, for your thoughtful comments.
Thanks my friend for this interesting topic, I totally agree with the fact that it is being irresponsible ,unfair in away to use cell phones while driving cars ,you can put your life and the lives of other people in hazardous and dangerous situations.Many people are victims of accidents because the driver of a vehicle was busy telling stories on his cell phone .we should ask ourselves ,what is better ,to save a life or to miss a call ,that you can do later on ? what a heavy burden it can to have caused a great harm or the death of someone.
I was surprised to know this, Bill. But i'm glad that you and your wife are ok. I am totally against telephoning and driving. Singapore had forbidden it since they used cell phones. As in my country, people even on the phones while they are riding motorbikes. It's terrible. They even do text messaging while driving.
I wish our government make law against phoning while driving.
Comments
Viviana,
Thanks for your blog entry. You are so right when you say a car can be a tool or a weapon. When I taught my children to drive I told them that was their choice - to use the car as a tool or a weapon. I think hands-free cell phone kits are a great idea. My son uses one.
It is coincidental that you entered this blog. We have relatives visiting our town and two nights ago a young girl went speeding through a red light while texting and crashed into their car as it went through a green light. Luckily they are not seriously injured but they had to go to the hospital to be check out. And the rental car is driveable, but damaged none the less. Their injuries were minor but they are in pain. It could have been worse. When will people learn to be more responsible with their freedoms? There is a law now in our state but you only are punished for cell phone usage if you were in an accident.
It sounds to me like the people in S. Korea are more polite than many Americans. So many people here have bad manners or bad behavior with cell phones. But more and more the laws are being passed to encourage better behavior. I have learned a lot about S Korea this past year since I am tutoring a man from there who is living in the USA for educational purposes. We have become good friends.I think it would be a nice place to visit.
I am pleased to hear that you are willing to lend a hand to improve my English. Also good to hear your thoughts on my photos. Definitely I will write to you.
Thanks.
Suresh.
I have already run out of my two sons andone daughter-in-law. I have only one daughter-in-law left to sell. If I have to sell her, I will have to sell my wife next and then I will be alone.
As California, in New South Wales, using mobile while driving is illegal too. The law only allows us to use hand-free system while driving. I totally agreed your point of view about driving and using mobile is not safety.
But as far as personal responsibility, it really is important to weigh the risk. Should we put the need to talk while driving over the safety of ourselves, our loved-ones who ride with us or other drivers we may injure? It really is not that great a sacrifice when we consider that people are more important than phone calls. Thanks, all of you, for your thoughtful comments.
I wish our government make law against phoning while driving.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next