Whirling Dervish Drivers

“Whirling Dervish Drivers”, an article by Maureen Dowd, focuses on America’s addiction to technology and the risks of driving while using this technology. Americans are addicted to cellphones and computers so much that they try to juggle them all simultaneously. Studies done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that there are “negligible differences” in accident risk whether you are holding the phone or not. The so-called safer hands-free devices may actually be more dangerous than holding the phone. Police in many states will pull you over if they see you using a cellphone that you’re holding to your ear. A recent study showed that drivers who talk on their cellphones are more likely to be in a crash and drive just as erratically as people with a 0.08% blood-alcohol level. The highway safety agency found that many drivers found it easier to drive drunk than to drive while using a phone, even if it’s hands-free. Dowd feels that states should outlaw drivers from talking on phones and using digital devices that cause you to swerve or drift. If it isn’t outlawed, she feels that there should be at least a $10,000 fine for getting in an accident while using a cellphone.

The issue of driving while on a cellphone has gotten the attention of Hollywood in more than one way. In Will Smith’s “Seven Pounds”, Smith ruins his perfect life when he uses his phone while driving and crashes into another car, killing six strangers and his fiancée. Tony Gilroy, screenwriter for the films “Michael Clayton” and “Duplicity”, was involved in a nightmarish accident when his cell-chatting taxi driver ran a red light and hit another car. Luckily, Gilroy only suffered a fractured rib and hip. The automobile companies are busy fueling America’s self-destructive cravings. One company, Ford, is developing a system that allows drivers to use phones, music players, and the Internet with voice commands and audible responses. Americans are so addicted to their technology that they are willing to risk their life and the lives of others just to answer a stupid message or phone call that could likely wait. The technology industry is like a drug dealer, creating social and economic pressure to stay in constant touch with everyone in our lives, and Americans are addicted.