A series of commercials titled “It can wait” discourages texting while driving. These commercials have had an affect all over the country. Some states have taken it upon themselves to ban cellphone use while driving altogether.
But then we have Louisiana, still adamant against banning phone use while driving for reasons unknown to myself. Never mind that more than 3,000 people were killed in car accidents involving a distracted driver in 2011, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
We should outlaw phones while driving if only for the sake of those drivers in the fast lane going 15 mph slower than everyone else because they are chatting on their phones.
You know who you are.
Last week, the latest plea for a law banning cell phones behind the wheel was shot down in a House committee meeting. Some remarked that the government shouldn’t act as a babysitter with issues like that. Others said reading the newspaper while driving isn’t illegal, so talking on the phone shouldn’t be either.
That’s the best they could do? I would love to hear a real argument against the cell phone ban next time it’s suggested. I’m glad the people governing our state are so concerned with our safety.
I guess that is asking too much. They can ban tobacco on campus and not worry about being called our babysitters, but when it comes to road safety, they would rather stay silent.
For the record, reading while driving should be illegal as well. A law banning phones while driving would only help improve our already dangerous roads in Louisiana. I don’t understand the hold up.
People are starting to understand the risk factors involved with cell phones and reading while driving, but little is being done to combat the problem.
Louisiana has a history of more relaxed driving laws. For instance, seat belt laws were only enforced after much of the country had already implemented them. Today, you can still hitch a ride to Tigerland eight people deep in the bed of a truck.
I’m not saying I’ve never done it, but there comes a point when safety should trump the police and governmental yearning for approval.
A study conducted by the University of Utah concluded that drivers on the phone are more impaired than drunk drivers. While this is just one study, it still reveals the truth so many people like to ignore while nonchalantly taking a phone call or checking Twitter on the road.
To make matters worse, we college students have the mentality that nothing bad will happen to us. So we make phone calls and take selfies while texting and Facetiming at a stoplight. It’s unfortunate because no one is exempt from a possible accident.
We forget that these accidents are just that  — an accident — and phone and reading-related accidents are the most avoidable.
It’s so easy. Just put down the phone for the nine-minute car ride to Chipotle and enjoy some music. I promise nothing interesting is happening on Instagram anyway.
I know I’m not the only person who gets a little nervous when my driver is snapchatting while simultaneously navigating through 5 p.m. traffic. My hand unconsciously creeps to the steering wheel, ready to take action if my less concerned driver makes a wrong move.
Backseat driving is annoying, but I would rather yell at my driver to get off the phone than be found lying in a ditch by emergency responders.
The annoying part is that this entire scenario could be avoided if legislature just banned cell phones while driving. The law may not catch on right away, but for the sake of passengers, at least, let’s see some action.
Annette Sommers is a 19-year-old mass communication sophomore from Dublin, Calif.
Twitter: @AnnetteSommers