I have decided to propose a ban on cell phone usage without a hands-free device while driving in Houston.
a. Why is the problem a problem?
Using mobile phones while driving is a distraction that causes traffic accidents including death.
b. For whom is the problem a problem?
All the drivers in Houston. Everyone is susceptible to the distractions of using a cell phone to text or talk while driving. To be aware of cell phone users is almost the same as looking for a drunk driver, you never know when you are going to get hit.
How will these people suffer if the problem is not solved?
With the statistics of twenty-three deaths so far in 2008 that involved the usage of cellular/mobile devices.
Who has the power to solve the problem?
If legislation is passed, this activity can be stopped by police officers.
Why hasn’t the problem been solved up to this point?
The problem has not been solved since people love to talk on the phone while driving. There are a lot of people against this, but the fact of the matter is cell phones do cause accidents.
How can the problem be solved?
If legislation is passed, people will realize that the action of talking or texting on cell phones is punishable and will help stop the act.
What are the probable benefits of acting on your proposal?
Traffic accidents will be less frequent and the fines induced from this action can go to good will of hospital care, or road maintenance.
What costs are associated with your proposal?
The costs may be the addition of extra police officers to oversee these traffic violations. With new legislation there are costs that come standard, for example, the training of new implementation to police officers and the judicial system.
Who will bear those costs?
These costs are no addition to the addition of new laws. With the initiative from this new law, the fines can help these costs and promote better welfare on the streets, especially those in most need of new roads.
Why should this proposal be enacted?
This proposal should be enacted because if it is not stopped now, then future generations will think it is okay to talk and text while driving and with more and more people becoming drivers, it is pertinent that they do not get into bad habits that take a longer time to revert.
Why is it better than alternative proposals?
With a ban of mobile phones without a hands-free device, people can still talk on their mobile phone, it does not eliminate complete usage. Although texting is completely banned, the act of texting requires much more attention than driving.
