The teenagers of today have grown up in a world where everything comes instantly. They have become use to the idea of instant gratification, which probably explains the phenomena of text messaging. No matter where they are or what they are doing, they have their cell phones and they are texting even if it puts them in dangerous situations. According to the National Safety Committee in 2008 1.5 million car accidents were attributed to cell phone use. Teens are already at a high risk of being in an accident and with many of them texting behind the wheel this risk just increases. How do we explain teenager’s need to constantly be in communication with their friends and families? Well it can been link to the idea of social control, which is the tools we are socialized with that teach us to abide by the norms and rules of the society around us. Teens feel they must instantly respond to a text message or answer their cell phone for fear of being ostracized from society. This leads to texting occurring behind the wheel even though they know it is dangerous. In an online survey conducted by USA Today, 84% of 1,999 teens between the age of 16-19 were aware that distracted driving increased their risk for a crash, yet 86% of those same teens reported they had engaged in distracted driving behaviors. 38 states have laws against cell phone use while driving, so teens are not only creating an unsafe environment they are also being deviant and breaking laws. However most of these teens do not feel like a deviant because they are more than likely employing techniques of neutralization. Telling them selves that no one will be get hurt if I just send a quick text, or trying to show their loyalty to their friends by responding to the message. Yet an accident can happen at any moment, as I once experienced. While out of town visiting a friend we went to grab some breakfast. While on the way back to the hotel a girl turned in front of me without even looking, I crashed into her.
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She said she didn’t see me, or the three cars behind me, she was looking at her phone and this caused me to lose my car. Because this young girl could not wait until she reached her destination I had to replace my car, and my best friend was hospitalized.
What is being done to prevent texting while driving?
Well as stated early 38 states currently have laws against cell phone use while driving. Ranging from a total ban on cell phone use, talking and texting, in the vehicle, to bans on just certain age groups, to just bans on texting. Currently Texas is in the process of banning texting for all ages, currently texting is only restricted to drivers under 18 years of age.
There are also some programs out there employing deterrence theory. Deterrence theory is the idea that deviance arises from the rational calculation of the actions costs and benefits. For example a teen would think the odds of me getting in an accident are slim so I will respond to this message so my friends think I am cool. AT&T has launched the “It Can Wait” campaign. It encourages everyone, not just teens, to put the phone down and focus on the road. They have a pledge that can be signed and coming from a company that makes money off of texting this says a lot.
Oprah has also launched a No Texting While Driving campaign. She also has a pledge that can be signed called the “No Phone Zone.” On her website she has stories about the lives lost due to texting while driving, as well as people’s personal stories of close calls.
Oprah has also launched a No Texting While Driving campaign. She also has a pledge that can be signed called the “No Phone Zone.” On her website she has stories about the lives lost due to texting while driving, as well as people’s personal stories of close calls.
We also see scare tactics being used in the media to deter texting while driving. In Britain a Public Service Announcement was released, that shows the very graphic yet true consequences of what can happen behind the wheel when distracted.
Do scare tactics work on teens? Some people feel the teen becomes desensitized to the harsh realities due to constantly viewing them. While some people believe watching a video or seeing a reenactment will scare the teen right and make them more conscious about the decisions they make behind the wheel. One way a parent can’t go wrong is through positive reinforcement, show the teen the behavior you expect from them and they will listen. When parents are seen texting or talking on the phone the teen believes that deviant behavior is acceptable.
Do scare tactics work on teens? Some people feel the teen becomes desensitized to the harsh realities due to constantly viewing them. While some people believe watching a video or seeing a reenactment will scare the teen right and make them more conscious about the decisions they make behind the wheel. One way a parent can’t go wrong is through positive reinforcement, show the teen the behavior you expect from them and they will listen. When parents are seen texting or talking on the phone the teen believes that deviant behavior is acceptable.
In 2008 there were 34,017 fatal accidents according to the National Safety Council. We must make our roads a safer place for ourselves and our loved ones, support the fight on no texting and driving.
