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Cell Phones: Driven To Distraction?

By KRISTEN STERNBERG
NIE EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT

In the United States, according to a recent newspaper report, at any given time there are about 500,000 – that's half a million-people using handheld cell phones while they're driving. Safe driving, as we all know, requires lots of concentration. The News-Journal reported not long ago that using a cell phone "while driving is an accident waiting to happen." When drivers are distracted, the chance of accidents increases. Do you think there should be restrictions on cell phone use when on the road?

Take a look at the results of this opinion poll to see just how others view this issue. Many believe the problem is certainly serious enough to require legislation – check out this newspaper article that documents some people's fears. In New York City, a law was recently passed requiring taxicab drivers to pull off the road and park before making or answering a phone call. Should cities and towns in Central Florida consider similar laws? In Florida, they can do just that. Each town or city may set its own policy on cell phone restrictions for drivers. Some cities are already considering passing laws like New York's.

Cell phones are getting a lot of attention these days, perhaps because of tragedies like this automobile accident. You may also remember reading about model Niki Taylor, who was involved in an accident whose cause was linked to a cell phone. However, they are not the only distractions that drivers face.

However you feel about it, this is an issue that's probably not going to go away in the near future. Cell phone use is becoming more and more common, as availability and quality of service go up and costs go down, so you're likely to see an increasing number of motorists using them! What advice might you give to help drivers stay safe?

Try these interesting activities using The News-Journal

1. Use your newspaper and other reference materials to design a public service ad informing people about driving safety and cell phone use. Display your ad in a public space to help others learn. (Sunshine State Standards: LA.B.2.2.3, LA.B.2.2.6, LA.D.2.2.1, SS.C.1.2.4, SS.C.2.2.1, SS.C.2.2.2, SS.C.2.2.5)
   
   
2. Many people carry cell phones so they can communicate more easily with others. How important is communication? Collect newspaper articles and illustrations showing various ways people and other animals communicate. How many did you find? (Sunshine State Standards: SS.A.3.2.1)
   
   
3. Cellular phone technology is relatively new, but using the phones caught on quickly. If you search your newspaper, you will probably find one or more advertisements for cell phones or cell phone service. What other examples of new technology can you locate? Go on a newspaper scavenger hunt: Look for ads for products that wouldn't have been available a decade or so ago. If you can identify five or more, you're a star! (Sunshine State Standards: SS.A.3.2.1, SS.B.1.2.4)
   
   
4. Use newspaper articles and other resources to write an imaginary dialog between two teenagers-one who favors cell phone legislation, and one who is opposed to it. What are two main points each character might bring up? (Sunshine State Standards: LA.A.1.2.2, LA.A.2.2.5, LA.B.2.2.3, LA.B.2.2.6)
   
   
5. 5. Study any cartoons published in your newspaper's Editorial section. Then, draw an original cartoon expressing your views about cell phones and driving. Share your drawing with others. You might even ask to have it published in your school's newspaper. (Sunshine State Standards: LA.D.2.2.1, LA.D.2.2.3, LA.D.2.2.5)

Check out these links to learn more

When you visit How Stuff Works you'll learn that cell phones operate less like telephones than like — well, you can read that for yourself! Why not take a look at some recent innovations in cell phone technology? See some new, sophisticated features now available, like e-mail, games and MP3. Then, listen to samples of neat, new melodies you might want for your phone's ring tone.

How did it all begin? Find out who invented the cell phone - and why!

The Newspaper Association of America's web site contains links to many newspapers in the U.S. and around the world. Visit the site and check some of them out, to see if they have recently published any articles about the use of cellular phones. To access the newspapers at the site, select a state. Click on the "Internationals" button to view choices from other countries.

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