Whirling Dervish Drivers

Op-Ed #5

Since their inception, cell phones have been considered a driving distraction and danger. Several states have passed legislation which bans drivers from using cell phones. However, headsets have been considered safe alternatives for cell phone use by these state governments and the general public. New research, which had been mysteriously withheld for years, released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that headsets are just as dangerous as cell phones, implying that conversation is the real distracter. Maureen Dowd explains how dangerous cell phone use is by drivers, and also contends that cell phone use while driving may just be an example of a bigger problem in America. Many Americans, including Dowd herself, are addicted to technology, which is probably a bigger problem than most are willing to admit. Constantly checking email messages, voicemails, and, to a relatively new extent, Twitter are simply signs of a technology obsession. Dowd compares this addiction to a drug addiction, highlighting its severity, and that mainstream America’s “drug suppliers” are technology companies constantly creating new ways to stay connected. Dowd also asserts that many Americans believe they can multitask better than in actuality, which also leads to traffic accidents.

Dowd uses the frightening comparison of technology and dangerous drugs to explain exactly how reliant Americans are on various forms of technology. Dowd also uses a personal experience to warn of the dangers of multitasking while driving. She admits her fault while driving, and her meek promise to never use a cell phone while driving again, which she broke. Dowd’s experience provides an anecdote to which other readers can relate, and she uses other personal stories from her friends to prove her point. While her opinion is the general consensus across the country, Dowd’s piece serves as a kind of public service announcement with witty comparisons and pop culture connections. These lighter elements do not detract from her message, however, which is powerful enough to make even the most technology-addicted person hang up the phone while driving. Dowd accomplishes her goal in writing an op-ed which presents the horrifying dangers of driving while using a cell phone, and is memorable enough to serve as a reminder every time a person enters his vehicle.