Argue for a ban on texting while driving Research Paper

Argue for a ban on texting while driving - Research Paper Example Studies conducted have shown that texting while driving could be more dangerous than speaking or drunk driving (Richtel). More than a dozen states in the United States have passed laws against texting while driving with the current Obama administration taking more efforts to ban the practice across the country (Crawley; Stateline). However, despite the increased arguments raised in favor of the ban, studies carried out by certain institutes have shown that such bans have really had no impact on the accident rate in the country (Lohr). But given the many potential risks involved in practicing this, increased awareness is being created by legal experts, transportation and government officials and vehicle manufacturers to bring out a country wide ban for texting while driving. The executive order issued by the President in 2009, has referred to distracted driving as an epidemic and has hence banned all federal employees from texting while driving. The favorable arguments raised in this regard is that there has been several car crashes involving drivers who were distracted and tempted by text messages while driving as they had to release at least one hand from the steering in addition to taking their eyes off the road (National Highway Traffic; Crawley; Stateline; Executive order). The government has issued this order as it believes that officials should first set an example by following the ban and thence enforce it. There are several government employees who use vehicles daily for commutation or transportation purposes and by following the ban they can also prevent any unwanted accidents and injuries. The federal government employees and contractors were expected to comply with the order since December 2009 as it would help save lives, reduce injuries an d unnecessary damage to property (National Highway Traffic; Executive order). The order also includes that these officials should comply with the order even during non-working hours and that authorities can