Introduction
Robert Rosenberger is a renowned scholar, who works in Georgia Institute of Technology as an assistant professor in the field of philosophy. The two main areas that Rosenberger deals with in the School of Public Policy, which is part of the institution, concerns philosophy of technology and philosophy of science. Remarkably, Rosenberger has dwelt on areas that concern the mind and simulation of devices such as phones, televisions, and other audiovisual gadgets. In his article ‘Hands-Free Technology Does not keep Drivers Safe’ his main focus is on the effect of phones and the distraction they pose on drivers when they are behind the wheel. The purpose of this essay is to undertake an incisive analysis on the effectiveness of the article using points such as accuracy of information, clarity and language use, as well as logic and organization. From the aforementioned arguments, it is clear that the article is effective in that it presents its information in a rational manner.
Summary of the Main Point
The author presents his main point from the onset of the article. A quick look at the introduction of the article gives one the impression of what the author intends to put across all through the article. For instance, in the first page, Rosenberger (2015) begins by presenting the readers with an advertisement aired by commercial televisions regarding the essence of hands free phones built in Hyundai Veloster vehicle. After reviewing the message that the advertisement puts across to the viewers, he quickly asserts that there is a problem, which requires redress. The problem according to him emanates from the scale of distraction that phones have on drivers. In the last paragraph of the first page, he categorically states that people in several countries around the globe think that using hands free communication when driving is safer than using handheld phones.
Points to Evaluate
Accuracy of Information
The information provided by the author in the article is factual and practical in several aspects. Imminently, the factual nature of the information transpires because the author is an assistant philosophy professor in the field of science and technology (Rosenberger, 2015). By being an assistant professor in the field that concerns the relationship between the mind and audiovisual devices such as phones, the author provides information based on his in-depth research undertaken, while in the course of work. It is very clear that the author understands what he is communicating to the readers, and thus, he ensures that the target audiences, who comprise road users, grasp every bit of information that the article contains. To substantiate the essence of his arguments, the author uses research from renowned bodies such as the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) as well as advertisements that champion for the use of hands free phones, while driving. The use of research from renowned bodies and advertisements, which advocate for hands free communication devices, is very practical in educating the readers on the challenges linked to the risks of using phones when driving.
A good example is evident in the last paragraph of the first page, where the author furnishes his readers with a link. Concisely, the link clarifies the fact that some cities in the United States understand the risks associated with the use of mobile phones, while driving. From the article, the author presents information in a way that depicts some kind of research on the given field. In the perspective of O’Hara (2005), accuracy of information presented makes an article understandable and interesting to read. Besides the interesting and clear nature of Rosenberger’s article, it is also informative, and by reading it, one gets insights into the benefits of staying away from a phone whether hands free or handheld when driving. Instead of using lengthy choice of words to pass his information, the author decides to use a summarized article, which is about six pages, to convey his information in an almost accurate manner.
Clarity of Language
The words used by the author are clear and ethical. As opposed to a range of articles that use unethical and unclear words, the author uses words that are clear and easy to understand. From the onset of the article to the last paragraph, the author employs very clear words that the readers can understand. Moreover, the article is ethical from my point of view, and hence, it is good for individuals of all lifestyles. The words used in the article have high levels of civility and demonstrate concern for everyone in the society. Notably, the author wrote the article from the audience’s point of view and considered even those individuals, who do not have a prior understanding in the field of technology and automobiles. In the explanation of Saleh (2013), correct use of words is one of the cornerstones that authors can use to increase readability of their articles. Therefore, by using words that are clear and easy to read, the author increases the number of people, who purchase and read his article.
Since the length of the article is minimal, instances of using unclear and unethical words reduce. According to Knight (2010), use of lengthy and voluminous articles can subject an author to increased instances of using unclear and unethical words. As a result, the author of the article was keen and focused on conveying information using a well-designed choice of words in a summarized manner. Furthermore, besides using short and summarized words, the author ensured that the phrases used have comprehensive explanations. In the second page, the author uses words from an external source in his second paragraph in an attempt to explain the distinction between handheld and hands free use of phones, while driving. The attachments or phrases come in as additions to the content and fit in well. The ability to ensure that the phrases fit in well with the content and does not pose as a distraction to the reader is an expression of high-end level of clarity.
Logic and Organization
The information in the article follows a logical organization and utilizes professionalism. Apparently, the information flows from introduction to conclusion. The author makes sure that the target audiences go through a series of educating content and make informed decisions at the end of the article. After reading the article, one gets information concerning the challenges associated with the use of phones, while driving whether the phone is handheld or is hands free. The author uses main topics and subtopics to elucidate his points and ensure that his content flows in an organized manner. Iacone (2003) asserts that smart authors use topics and subtopics to ensure that their content flow in a logical direction. A good example is evident from Rosenberger, who begins his article by explaining the meaning of the main topic. Rosenberger then proceeds to use subtopics such as science and policy context, source of cell phone induced driving impairment, hands free dashboard technologies, and safety in the hands of drivers. A close look at these topics reveals an organized flow of content right from the beginning to the end of the article.
Conclusion
The overall importance of the topic transpires from the arguments advanced by the author on the use of phones, while driving. Principally, the author explains the need to minimize use of phones whether hands free or handheld, while driving. The topic is very important in that it focuses on minimizing risks linked to the use of phones when one is behind the wheel. Apparently, a number of motorists and pedestrians have died or sustained injuries because of issues linked to the use of phones when driving, a factor that makes the topic very important. Accuracy of information, clarity of language, as well as logic and organization are some of the strengths that the article demonstrates. On the other hand, the article does not provide a more elaborate solution that nations can utilize in order to minimize the problem related to the use of hands free media of communication when driving. The inability of the article to provide a practical and workable solution is a weakness, which affects its overall importance. Conversely, the ultimate success of the article is its ability to put across a well-designed content concerning the challenges that hands free and handheld phones pose on drivers in contemporary societies when they are behind the wheel.
References
Iacone, S. (2003). Write to the Point: How to Communicate in Business with Style and Purpose. Franklin Lakes: Career Press.
Knight, R. (2010). Journalistic Writing: Building the Skills, Honing the Craft. Portland: Marion Street Press.
O’Hara, S. (2005). Improving your Study Skills: Study Smart, Study Less. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Rosenberger, R. (2015). Hands-Free Technology Does Not Keep Drivers Safe. Cell Phones and Driving, 1(1), 1-6.
Saleh, N. (2013). The Complete Guide to Article Writing: How to Write Successful Articles for Online and Print Markets. Ohio: Writer’s Digest.