1. Texting and Driving Presented by Chris Todd

2. Thesis Cell phones give people a sense of security by letting them know that they are connected to a network of people. This sense of security creates a dependency on cell phones that can become a danger if someone is driving and chooses to take their focus off the road and focus on the phone instead. The most dangerous action is sending and receiving text messages while operating a vehicle.

4. In 2008, roughly 6,000 people were killed in accidents that were related to distracted drivers

5. Nearly 500,000 injuries were credited to distracted drivers in 2008

6. Each year, 21% of fatal car crashes involving teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 were the result of cell phone usage.

8. Cell Phones Cell phone dependency is growing People always have their cell phones If forgotten, there is a feeling of disconnection Cell usage is not going down in the future as more advances are made in technology

9. Texting Start in 1995 Did not catch on to begin with but then exploded in popularity As people became more comfortable, they started doing it while they drive Constantly becomes more and more of a problem

10. The Question Do you text while you drive?

11. Results Survey was taken on 306 students, mostly between the age of 18 and 22 years of age. 204 of 306 people admitted to texting a driving. Literally 67% of the surveyed group text while they drive.

12. General Responses (I do not text) “I don’t text in Clemson because it is illegal” “I had a car accident because I was texting and driving, not anymore.” “I drive a stick shift and it is too hard.” “Its obviously dangerous.” “I got a touch screen phone and I just can’t text while I’m driving”

13. General Responses (I do text) “I know I shouldn’t but I do anyways.” “I only do it at stop lights and stop signs.” “I don’t think it is really that big of a deal.” “Other people do, so I’m not that worried about it.” “I only do it SOMETIMES.”

14. “When I’m texting in my car, its when I’m by myself because I’m bored.” Ed Mahan “I know I do. And I know its bad, its just sometimes, things are really important.” -Sarah Dunn

15. Students Documentary Click Here for testimonies

16. Solutions?

17. Hands Free Technology Pros Less distraction while driving Cons Don’t recognize voices Apps Can’t go on all phones Still causes some distractions

18. Detection Software Pros Blocks incoming text while the user is operating a vehicle It lets the sender know the person is driving and will respond momentarily. Insurance breaks? Cons The public not accepting it Phones not accepting the software

19. Self Discipline Pro If observed then its probably the best plan Con People obviously don’t have self discipline

21. Random Library Student

22. Creates more income for the city through Tickets

23. “I wont ever completely stop. The only thing the law can do is make the penalty so unrealistic and harsh that I will not want to.”

24. Jamin FloydCons Hard to enforce What is a good punishment? People will just try to hide text in their lap while their driving, causing them to focus farther from the road.

25. Raise Awareness Pros If it clicks, then this will increase self discipline. When students don’t text and drive, the major reason for not doing it was, “I understand how bad it is.” or “I saw a documentary on it that really made me think twice.” Cons Understand Consequences, but the desire to stay connected overrules People think they are “above average” drivers.

26. Conclusion Texting and driving is bad It is going to get worse unless something is done Solutions need to be implemented The little things are going to make the difference.

27. Bibliography "DOT Press Release." Home | U.S. Department of Transportation. USDOT Public Affairs, 29 Sept. 2009. Web. 25 Apr. 2011. http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/dot15509.htm ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. "The Solution for Texting While Driving by Newspaper Contributors on Creators.com - A Syndicate Of Talent." Creators Syndicate The Best Content in The World. Creators.com. Web. 25 Apr. 2011. <http://www.creators.com/opinion/daily-editorials/the-solution-for- texting-while-driving.html>. Todd, Chris. “Do you text and drive? survey”