In Reponse to "*Cough*"

      I definitely agree with the author's viewpoint on second hand smoke. First, the author introduces how second hand smoke poses a problem around college campuses from first hand experience. It makes the reader imagine themselves in the author's shoes. Then, the author explains how different breathing is on campus with a ban on smoking on campus. The author also explores opponent's viewpoints on the ban, saying that smokers have nowhere else to smoke and that they are not hurting anyone. With credible sources such as the American Cancer Society, the author uses significant statistics to rule our opponent's arguments.
 


      To conclude, the author emphasizes the importance of anti-smoking laws for universities and college campuses. I wish that St. Edward's University had a ban on smoking on campus. When walking to class, I go from enjoying the beautiful weather to being smothered in second hand smoke. There is even an area on campus where smokers crowd, creating a tunnel of smoke. It is awful to experience, but smokers call it "socializing." I am not against smoking cigarettes, but they do need to be more considerate even if there are no bans on smoking on campus. The distance from smoking off campus and smoking on campus is not large, but the difference it will make will be even bigger.

Take the Wheel, Not the Phone

   
        Just driving ten minutes away, I spotted a large number of drivers talking or texting on the phone. Even though people are aware of fines, technology has become a dominate part of our lives. The smartphone can alert traffic, accidents, and weather while driving, which can be beneficial. Many people rely on the smartphone to texting since it is  faster than phone calling, cheaper, and it is a discrete form of contact. Texting is the number one driver distraction.
     
     It is without a doubt that this technologically advanced generation cannot do without texting. A 2007 survey of about 1000 teens demonstrated that 46 % text while drive. According to Don't Drive and Text, texting while driving compares to drunk driving when it comes to distractions on the road. A person's driving ability is impaired because there is loss of concentration, are more likely to swerve, decreased reaction times, and it is even risker under the influence of alcohol of drugs. More astounding statistics include that texting while driving accounts for 2,600 vehicle fatalities and 300,000 collisions annually. Texting while driving is about 6 times more likely to result in an accident than driving while intoxicated. More suprising, for every 6 seconds of drive time, a driver sending or receiving a text messages spends  4.6 of those seconds with their eyes off the road (Texas: Cell phone laws, legislation).
   
   Texas needs to have stricter cell phone laws. States such as New York and California have strict laws that ban hand held cell phone use and texting by all drivers. If compared with New York's 2010 accident rates are tiny compared to Texas' cell phone accident rates. In 2010, 46 people died from cellphone-related crashed and 3,400 accidents were caused by cell phone use. Currently, Texas has lenient laws when it comes to cell phone use. Current laws include:

• Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using wireless communications devices.
• Learners permit holders are prohibited from using handheld cell phones in the first six months of driving.
• School bus operators prohibited from using cell phone while driving if children are present.
• Drivers prohibited from using handheld devices in school crossing zones.

Also, with state cell phone laws, there is funding opportunities. For example, in New York, each cell phone results in a $150 fine and in California, the base fine for a first offense is $20. These fines add up and can be used for funding for states' needs. 

 

This documentary was sent out by our coach and makes you wonder... was that last call/text worth your life?

Live Young Drive Old?

   In Why Old People Should Not Drive, the opening statistic that verifies car accidents as a top leading cause of death instantly invites the reader in. Although I think that texting while driving and drunk driving are the more significant causes of death, it was interesting to see the author present a rare issue that does not get a lot of attention.
 
  Then, the author presents why elderly people are more prone to mistakes on the road, which demonstrates the use of logos. Referring to Katie's Law as an option, the author explores the option as a possibility.
   
     Lastly, the author explores different options that could minimize errors due to the elderly driving on the road. I agree with an annual renewal of license along with the necessary exams to deem appropriate to drive. Maybe even monthly check-ups at the DMV could help. In addition, if the elderly go to the doctors, they could also give them the yay or nay to renew/apply for a driver's license. Another plausible solution could be  carpooling in a neighborhood, so that those unable to drive or failed exams are able to have another option. Yes, there are buses and other means of public transportation, but without direction or any sense of time, it is hard for old people to solely rely on public transportation. Making our roads safer will take one step at a time.