Cell Phone - Topic 1

There are over 260 million active cell phones in the United States today. 78% of those with active cell phones are also drivers. Of those 78% of the drivers/cell phone users, 73% actually talk on the phone while driving. This means that there are nearly 190 million people in the United States that use their phone in the car while driving on a daily basis.

It was studied that driving and talking on the cell phone is like driving while intoxicated. People that do so are 4 times more likely to be in a car accident then those who do not. It is disturbing to read that 86% of young adults, age 18-29 talk on the cell phone while driving. Teens/young adults aged 15-24 are already 4 times more likely to be in a fatal car accident than those aged 26-69.

It is estimated that 2600 people die in cell phone related accidents per year. This is according to studies done previous to June of 2006, so that count is probably much higher now than before.

The concept of cell phones have been around since the late 1940's, but really didn't come into the hands of the public until around 1990. At this time, cell phones were huge bulky things that had horrible reception and just looked rediculous (looking back at them). It is amazing that the boom of sale of cell phones have happened really over the last 10 years. Are these things that we have brought into our lives done more harm than good?

Can cell phones cause cancer? Are they really necessary for us? There are so many questions that we have pertaining to our usage of cell phones. Are more lives saved than lost in the whole scheme of things?

I am so torn on the subject. I have a cell phone, and I really enjoy having one, but I understand how dependent that we have become on them. Can we actually live without them again? I honestly don't think so. I am at a loss when I don't have mine with me, and I really didn't think I would ever be like that.

http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-injury-articles/cell-phone-use-and-car-accidents-669596.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,201586,00.html
http://seniorliving.about.com/od/improvepersonalsafety/a/cell_phone_driv.htm
http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa070899.htm