TOW #18 - Article: "Technology Must Prevent Texting While Driving, Say Doctors" by Douglas Main

No Texting and Driving

The cellphone, a device capable of placing calls, texting, and entertaining its users, is possibly one of the most dangerous gadgets ever developed. Douglas Main, a science and environmental journalist who contributes greatly to Popular Science and other science news organizations, recognizes the threat that cellphones pose on those who are able to drive since "cellphones are responsible for a quarter of all accidents in the U.S. Texting is particularly bad, since it serves as both a mental and visual distraction." Concerned about the plight technology these days has caused, Main conceptualizes various ideas that have a great potential of increasing a driver's safety. One such fix to this problem that Main suggests is by adding a sensor to the car that creates a jamming signal, preventing drivers from using their phones and driving unsafely at the same time. Drivers, young and old, need to understand the dangers of using their cellphones carelessly. However, they do not, and rather than raising awareness of this situation, Main proposes that it is best to create equipment for the betterment of the current predicament. To achieve his purpose of warning people of the hazards of cellphone use while driving and proposing ideas to ensure safety, Main includes statistics on driving and quotes from doctors. The addition of statistics in the articles creates a quantitative outlook for the readers of the article. By understanding the percent and number of people effected by this, readers who are drivers are subtly forced to become scared and worried, making the incorporation statistics a direct appeal to pathos. Furthermore, Main quotes various doctors who have similar viewpoints on the texting and driving dilemma. Quotes create a sense of professionalism, further strengthening Main's credibility while giving an insight to readers about the dangers of driving. Statistics and quotes were strong enough the achieve Main's purpose, making drivers more aware of their phone habits and convincing them to acquire technology that prevents such dangerous behavior.