Humans are complex creatures and, accordingly, are frequently confronted with complex situations. However, steeped in the hardships that life imposes upon all, individuals are inclined to overcomplicate their circumstances. They make choices that, despite being explicitly unacceptable, provide the easiest path to follow in the short-term. These choices produce problems. One such problem overtaking the nation, a crime for which there is no justification, is committed by the thousands any given day: using a phone while driving. Shifting one’s eyes from the road and to a phone indicates a clear lack of judgement, thought, and, most obviously, priority. Prioritizing the information contained in one text message or social media notification over keeping eyes on the road and hands at 10-and-2 could result in an accident affecting either the guilty party or their victims for life. In short, motor incidents caused by mobile distraction can be attributed to a lack of understanding regarding what truly is at stake when driving. These incidents can be precluded if everyone understands how to prioritize their actions behind the wheel.

Rooted in the complexity of human behavior is the instinct of curiosity. With that being said, it’s understandable that someone would look down at his or her phone when it lights up. However, the driver who does so fails to consider the context of his or her situation. When accepting a driver's license, a motorist agrees to comply with all driving regulations, spoken and unspoken. In regards to the latter, not every regulation is as clear-cut as “don’t close your eyes.” Nonetheless, texting while driving should be considered in the same light. When one elects to take his or her attention off of the road and redirects it elsewhere, for whatever reason, a situation is created in which the driver is not in control. The key to controlling a situation is being cognizant of all details. Obviously, taking one’s eyes off of the road breaches this potentiality. 

It is said that sending a text while driving at 55 mph equates to traveling the length of a football field, all the while not looking up from one’s phone. The amount of instances in which an accident could have occured due to simply not paying attention is abhorrent. Beyond leaving the driver at a physical disadvantage, driving and using one’s phone presents a philosophical qualm. Is the information at hand really important enough to potentially cause an accident? Is whatever is on the mobile device worth killing another? Does the information on the phone seem more important than the road, wherein innocent people are driving by constantly? The answer: a consistent no. Rectifying phone-related motor incidents will be a long journey but can be expedited if the correct steps are taken.

Accidents are caused due to a lack of perspective and priority. What really matters when driving: an ultimately discardable device or someone’s wellbeing? That question is never up for debate; its answer unfailingly the same. Cars and phones can be restored to former glory. Once a soul is gone, it’s forever. It can always wait.