AT&T Texting and Driving: It Can Wait. AT&T, 2012. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. <http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=2964>.
This website is helpful because it illustrates what efforts are currently being taken to decrease the incidence of texting while driving. AT&T has teamed up with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to fight against texting while driving. AT&T is implementing an awareness campaign that includes national PSAs, a national “no texting and driving pledge”, and funds various events dedicated to finding alternative solutions to end texting and driving. The no texting and driving website had many personal stories and statistics which helps legitimize and personalize their cause.
“Cell Phone Use While Driving & Employer Liability.” American Society of Engineers: Professional Safety Dec. 2011: 18. Print.
This article discusses how texting and driving affects people’s driving ability. It focuses on the visual, manual and cognitive distractions associated with texting while driving. The article cites an attorney, which was very helpful because it provided more of a legal perspective on the issue. The article also discusses bans on employees who text while driving for business. The article is very up to date as it was written in 2012, which allows for more reliable and recent statistics.
Cooper, Joel, Ph.D., Christine Yager, E.I.T, and Susan T. Chrysler, Ph.D. An Investigation of the Effects of Reading and Writing Text-Based Messages While Driving. Research rept. no. 476660-00024. College Station, TX: Southwest Region University Transportation Center, 2011. Print.
This article presented a recent study conducted by researchers at Texas A&M about the effects of texting and driving. The study tested how driving ability is affected by texting. This research was conducted very carefully, so their findings can be considered to be accurate and reliable. This study yielded accurate statistics and used a reliable experimental method to back up those statistics.
Garnder, Lisa A., Ph.D. “What to do About the Problem of Texting While Driving?” CPCU eJournal 63.11 (2010): 1-13. Print.
This article addresses the problem of texting while driving and offers some solutions for how to solve the problem. This author cites many different studies conducted by various universities or organizations. This is helpful because it led to finding other legitimate sources. The author of this study holds a Ph.D. and the article was written in 2010, so the source seems trustworthy and fairly up to date. However, the article is quite bias towards proving how risky texting and driving is, and does not offer too much insight into the other side of the issue.
Madden, Mary, and Amanda Lenhart. Teens and Distracted Driving. Research rept. Washington, D.C.: Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2009. Print.
The research conducted by Lenhart and Madden is extremely helpful. They make many claims about texting and driving, but use their evidence to support each claim. Many other of my sources cite Madden and Lenhart’s research, so it was helpful to refer to their original research. This article also includes personal conversations that the researchers had with high schoolers about their texting behaviors. This adds a personal connection and also provides a first hand explanation for the statistics they presented. The only issue with this article is that it was written in 2009, so it is not necessarily the most up to date information in terms of discussing current state legislation on the topic.
McCarthy, Carolyn. “Should Text Messaging While Driving Be Banned? Yes.” U.S. News & World Report 2009: n. pag. Print.
This article is an opinion piece written for the U.S. News & World Report. The author of the article is Carolyn McCarthy, a member of the US House of Representatives serving her 7th term. This article is interesting because it provides a legislative perspective of implementing a national no texting and driving ban. McCarthy’s extensive experience with government and passing laws legitimizes her argument.
Sollisch, Jim. “Inconvenient Truths to a Ban on Texting While Driving.” Christian Science Monitor 17 May 2012: n. pag. Print.
This article was written for the Christian Science Monitor, and discusses why there should not be a ban on texting and driving. However, the overall argument of this article seems very weak and does not offer evidence to support his claim. Additionally, the author is a creative director for an advertising agency, so he does not have a legislative background nor has he completed any research on the issue. While it was interesting to hear arguments from the other side, the author’s lack of experience and expertise makes his argument less compelling.
United States. Cong. House. Federal Communications Commission. Hearings on the Distracted Driving. Testimony of Chairman Julius Genachowski. Print.
This article is a testimony given by Chairman Julius Genachowski to the US House of Representatives to address texting while driving and the consequences it can have for the public. This article is from a governmental agency, with an obvious bias towards a ban on texting while driving. However, Chairman Genachowski utilizes compelling statistics to support and strengthen his argument. While this article is quite short, it has many useful statistics and also provides useful links for further information and research on the topic.