Introduction
Texting while driving is one of the most serious and dangerous issues facing the world today. It has become a significant concern today as more people use their cell phones while driving. This behavior puts both the driver and other people on the road at risk of serious injury or death.
This paper aims to examine the ethical issues associated with texting while driving and to propose potential solutions to prevent this hazardous behavior. Texting while driving is a serious ethical issue that needs to be addressed by everyone to prevent accidents and fatalities on the road. Solutions such as education, awareness campaigns, and technology can be used to reduce the number of people texting while driving and ultimately save lives.
Ethical Issues
Texting and driving is a major ethical dilemma, as it is incredibly hazardous and reckless. Research has revealed that engaging in texting while behind the wheel can be more perilous than driving under the influence of alcohol, due to the longer duration of distraction leading to slower reaction times, more reckless conduct, and reduced awareness of the environment (Burrell and Mistry 372). Consequently, this has led to an increase in motor vehicle collisions and fatalities.
Another ethical issue related to texting while driving is that it can have serious consequences. It is the leading cause of distracted driving, which, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), accounts for over 3,000 deaths in 2021 (“Distracted Driving”). This statistic illustrates the severe consequences that can result from texting while driving. This behavior is not only unethical but also deadly.
Ethically, texting while driving violates the fundamental moral principle of non-maleficence, which states that one should not harm others. It also violates the moral principle of beneficence, which requires individuals to act in ways that promote the well-being of others. By engaging in this behavior, drivers risk not only their own lives but also the lives of other road users.
Solutions
One potential solution to the ethical issue of texting while driving is to educate drivers on the dangers of this behavior. Educational interventions can increase awareness of the dangers of texting while driving. Schools, driver training programs, and communities can educate young drivers about the risks and consequences of texting while driving.
TV, radio, and social media can be invaluable tools in raising awareness about the dangers of texting and driving (Burrell and Mistry 373). These initiatives can provide those exposed with an understanding of the perils of this habit and urge them to take the necessary steps to avoid it. Through such initiatives, progress can be made in tackling this moral dilemma.
Additionally, technology can solve the ethical issue of texting while driving. For example, DriveMode is a free mobile app that automatically responds to calls and texts, notifying callers and senders that the person is driving and will respond once they have stopped driving (Oviedo-Trespalacios et al. 258). This technology can prevent people from texting while driving, as it automatically turns off any texting functions when the phone is in motion. Moreover, advanced driver-assistance systems can help drivers avoid accidents by providing alerts and notifications when they are distracted (Xing et al., 5386). For instance, texting-while-driving-detection systems can detect when drivers are using their phones and send visual and audio alerts.
Employers can also address the issue of texting while driving, which can negatively impact the workplace. In the United States, where texting while driving accounts for more than 13 percent of all car crashes each year, the economic impact of this behavior on employers is significant (U.S. Department of Transportation 1). Hence, businesses can introduce strict policies and guidelines to ban the use of mobile phones while driving.
Another way technology can raise the ethical issue of texting while driving is by using GPS tracking systems. These systems can be installed in a vehicle and monitor the driver’s speed, location, and phone usage while the car is in motion (Xing et al, 5.382). They can also alert the driver if they use their phone while driving.
Finally, technology can also incentivize drivers not to text while driving. For example, some cell phone providers are now offering discounts and rewards to drivers who choose not to text while driving (Oviedo-Trespalacios et al. 259). This incentive can encourage people to refrain from texting while driving and save lives.
Conclusion
In summary, texting while driving poses a significant ethical concern that must be tackled to avoid accidents and save lives. Implementing educational programs, awareness initiatives, and technological interventions can help reduce the prevalence of texting while driving and protect both drivers and pedestrians. Addressing this issue can help make the roads safer for everyone.
Works Cited
Burrell, Tierra, and Kamila, Mistry. “Safety: Texting while Driving.” Pediatrics in Review, vol. 39, 2018, pp. 372-374. Web.
“Distracted Driving.” (n.d.). NHTSA. Web.
Oviedo-Trespalacios, Oskar et al. “Driving Behaviour While Self-Regulating Mobile Phone Interactions: A Human-Machine System Approach.” Accident Analysis & Prevention, vol. 118. 2018, pp. 253-262. Web.
U.S. Department of Transportation. “Traffic Safety Facts.” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2022, pp. 1-7. Web.
Xing, Yang, et al. “Driver Activity Recognition for Intelligent Vehicles: A Deep Learning Approach.” IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, vol. 68, no. 6, 2019, pp. 5379-5390. Web.