ONLINE OPINION PIECE

Distracted Driving: Texting and Drinking

Texting:
In the city of El Paso, Texas it is prohibited to use a cell phone while
driving but in certain situations it is allowed to be used. These are some of
the situations in which an individual can use their cell phone: if the car is
stopped, if it is off the road, and if the device is connected or attached to
the vehicle (Ken, July 2012). If one can use their phone in these situations
it can lead to horrific accidents. For instance if the car is stopped on can
use their phone while driving, this can cause accidents with the driver.
There are certain individuals who like to put their vehicle on park when
they are in very slow traffic. When they committee this action it gives them
the right to use their phone because the motor vehicle is stopped. The
individual behind the wheel will now be distracted with their phone, while
there are other cars trying to get in front or behind them, leading them to
get into an accident. Although they commit this action because they do not
know the actual meaning behind the vehicle being stopped. When the
motor vehicle is stopped it means that it is unmoving, whether it is
occupied or not, on a place that it is not for moving automobiles to pass or
drive on (EHEN 2010). This misunderstanding leads to many individual
committing unwanted actions. This law should be changed so that there is
no way around it.
In order for the device to be used while connected, the cell phone
must be in either voice-activated mode or hands-free mode. This prevents
the user from directly making contact with the phone, but allows them to

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answer calls and use their phone wirelessly. A great way to do this is by
putting the phone on speaker, having it connected to an ear-piece or
Bluetooth. Doing these actions are better than having actual contact with
the phone, but it is still very dangerous because the individuals mind is still
wondering away from the road onto other activities. The brain gets
occupied by other activities and then the mind starts to wonder, this is
where it becomes hazardous to the other individuals on the road and
sidewalks.
Drinking:
In the city of El Paso, Texas it is prohibited to drive under the influence of
alcohol. The stander if older than 21 years of age is .08 in the blood
alcohol content, whereas if younger than 21 years of age the blood alcohol
content is .02 (Rich 2016). If an individual violates these laws the
consequences can be grave by either having time in jail, a fine that can
cost up to thousands, or having their license suspended. To be more
specific the time in jail can last from three years to two years depending
on the offense committed. The fines can range from $2,000 up to $10,000
depending if they had someone under the age 15 in the car. Whereas
having their license suspended can last from 90 days to 2 years, again
depending on the offence they committed (Rich 2016). These laws and
fines are very well thought of, although it should be enforced more. People
committee this action without thinking too much about the consequences
that they or the people around them can get into. These actions often lead
to loved ones either getting injured or even killed. Even though sometimes

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these horrific accidents happen they teach a lesson and get the point
across. When an individual experience these outcomes it makes them
want to change the way they behave and the choices they make with their
actions, many times leading to stopping their habit of distracted driving. All
the actions that are committed as manual, cognitive, or visual distractions
in any way, whether it is can cause a lot of damage not only to them but
also the people around them as shown in this essay.

Image 1: Texting

Image 2:

Driving Fines

Reference
Rich Stim. (2016). Texas DUI and DWI Laws. Driving Laws. Retrieved April 19, 2016,
from http://dui.drivinglaws.org/texas.php
Ken Molestina. (July 12, 2012). El Paso Police Issue Clarification On Cell Phone Ban.
ABC Kvia. Retrieved April 19, 2016, from http://www.kvia.com/news/El-PasoPolice-Issue-Clarification-On-Cell-Phone-Ban/547324

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EHEN. (2010). Prohibit Use of Wireless Communication Devices. Ordinance No.

017286. Retrieved April 19, 2016, from
http://legacy.elpasotexas.gov/muni_clerk/_documents/Ordinance%20017286.pdf