Teens and Cell Phones

The population of teens and cell phones has exploded, right along with the population of senior citizens and retiring.  The issue, however, of teens and cell phones brings us to a discussion of automobile safety (and so should probably senior citizens and driving).

How do we, as a nation handle the ever-increasing problem of teens, cell phones, and automobile accidents?  The recommendation by the U.S. Transportation office has been to ban the use of cell phones by teens, when they are operating an automobile. 

This is a great idea, but is it more difficult to enforce than the measure of worth gained from implementing this type of law.  Would it have the same affect as the drinking and driving laws of a former generation?  Quite possibly, and one the insurance companies could help to enforce.

The problem here stems from the fact that teens aren’t accomplished drivers; they’re simply learning to drive.  Should they be allowed to talk to their buddies, and learn to drive, simultaneously?  The most logical answer here would be no, but how to enforce the law, if passed?

Eleven of the 50 states and the District of Columbia currently have some limits that are imposed on using cell phones while driving.  Are the limits enforced?  The answer most often is yes.  The most often exercised limit applies to teens who are obtaining their license.

Teens and Cell Phones Insurance issues

The insurance companies are coming aboard, and beginning to implement insurance regulations that prohibit teens, and in some situations any person, from using cell phones while driving.

It is just a common sense initiative that most citizens’ feel is in the best interest of the public.  It has been proven that if we’re using wireless technology, such as cell phones, we aren’t capable of concentrating on activity outside the vehicle; we may observe the activity, but clear concentration isn’t possible, simply because we as humans aren’t able to accomplish that.  We can only focus on one activity at once.  We can do two or more things at once, but only one receives our concentration.  The others must be so repetitive that we don’t even have to think about the activity.

It is during this mode of operation, that many of us attempt to drive and talk on cell phones.  Especially the teens (and cell phones) involved in driving accidents due to cell phone use.