Reading #5
“Information Navigation 101”
Andrea Foster
College students are tech savvy when it comes to social networks, iPods, phones, cameras, and computers. But when it comes to writing an academic research paper, college students rely on Google and Wikipedia instead of the numerous scholarly journals that are available. This article predicts that maybe the X Generation isn’t so technically savvy after all. With more than 100 million websites and 18,000 journals, students can be overwhelmed with the amounts of information available and are often confused on where to find reliable and accurate information. “Information literacy” is a new trend that is sweeping across campuses lead by libraries with the hopes of teaching s students how to locate and evaluate electronic information. Some campuses are requiring students to prove that they are competent in information literacy by completing tests, holding a library degree or completing tutorials.
Through my experience in the LIB 103 class, I never knew there was so much to information literacy and the Internet. I always thought I was fairly knowledgeable about how to use the Internet, but I was mistaken. Doing research outside of Google does take more work, but the work will pay off with higher quality work and therefore higher grades which is what all college students should strive for. I think having the LIB 103 class offered as a required course is a great idea and colleges should consider this. While I do think that tests are a good idea, I think having a required course is the first step to improving information literacy.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
News Report #5
“10 Reasons Why the Internet is No Substitute for a Library”
Mark Y. Herring
3/10/08
http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/resources/selectedarticles/10reasonswhy.cfm
A lot of people are beginning to think that the Internet is replacing libraries; however, this article attempts to remind people of the services that a library offers that the Internet cannot offer. It is a well known fact that reading test scores among school children nationwide are below ideal levels and with the introduction of the Internet to our everyday lives this will only build upon the current problem and making it worse in the future. While the Internet does have its place, it does lack the following qualities.
1. Not everything is on the Internet. There are over one billion web pages which may seem like a lot of information as it is, but the quality is lacking immensely. Only about 8% of all journals are on the web and even fewer books. These journals cost enormous amounts of money to acquire and will likely never be available on the web.
2. The Needle in the Haystack. The article states that “the Internet is like a vast uncatalogued library”. Search engines have a particular index encrypted into their design. So while you think that Google may have all the answers you need, Yahoo might have a website that is perfect for your search but you may not have thought to look there. More importantly, this information that can be found on the web is likely to be out of date and irrelevant to current issues.
3. Quality control doesn’t exist. Anyone has access to post information on the web. (Enough said in my opinion.) There is probably more "garbage" than worthwhile material on the web. A sixth grader can learn how to build a bomb in his kitchen just be clicking a few buttons. ..scary.
4. What you don’t know really does hurt you. Journals can be published online but often you find isn’t complete. Full text articles are rare and tables, charts and graphs may be missing or distorted.
5. States can now buy one book and distribute to every library on the web-NOT! Luckily, vendors who deliver e-books only allow one digitized copy per library. So if someone checks out the online book, someone else can’t check it out until it is returned. This maintains the integrity of the book and the copyright that comes along with it.
6. You Forgot about E-book Readers. The Amazon Kindle is a great idea in theory. But when actually used for reading books, many people suffer from eye-strain and headaches. Most people prefer to read from a physical book than read online or from a screen.
7. Aren’t there library-less universities now? The most recently build university in California began its operations without a library and soon they found themselves buying books in the tens of thousands because the Internet does not have all the answers!
8. What about a virtual state library? The costs associated with digitized all the printed material written is ridiculously high and would bankrupt a state. A figure given in the article states that in order to virtualize a medium-sized library of 400,000 volumes would cost ONE TRILLION DOLLARS! A few consequences to think about are what do you do with all the material after it has been digitized, throw it away? What do you do if the power goes out? Very legitimate points, in my opinion.
9. The Internet: A mile wide, an inch deep. Not much information on the Internet is over 15 years old! A very good point as to why libraries are so important. How can you do a proper research paper on a history topic when the information you find online is only from 1993?!?
10. The Internet is ubiquitous but books are portable. In a recent survey done of those who like to buy electronic books online, more than 80% said they like buying paper books over the Internet. Books will never disappear because of the relaxation and escape that they offer to readers. You can’t escape with a computer sitting on your lap while curled up next to the fire; it is better accomplished with a simple paper book.
I think this article is really interesting and does a great job highlighting the assets of libraries. Some of the points I found most striking was number ten. I travel a lot and lugging a laptop around with me, worrying about the battery running low, finding an outlet, waiting to turn on the computer once we are 10,000 feet above ground, etc. makes the thought of reading on my computer an unpleasant one. I would prefer to carry a lightweight book that transports easily and does not require any additional electronic resources. Also, point nine is an excellent argument and should legitimize this argument any day. History is important for the future and using online sources created in the 1990s cannot be trusted to accurately portray historical information. Furthermore, topic three is a very scary realistic feature of the Internet. There are suicide assistance websites out there!!! That should wake up any parent whose child is surfing the web. Anybody who questions the importance of libraries should read this article.
Mark Y. Herring
3/10/08
http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/resources/selectedarticles/10reasonswhy.cfm
A lot of people are beginning to think that the Internet is replacing libraries; however, this article attempts to remind people of the services that a library offers that the Internet cannot offer. It is a well known fact that reading test scores among school children nationwide are below ideal levels and with the introduction of the Internet to our everyday lives this will only build upon the current problem and making it worse in the future. While the Internet does have its place, it does lack the following qualities.
1. Not everything is on the Internet. There are over one billion web pages which may seem like a lot of information as it is, but the quality is lacking immensely. Only about 8% of all journals are on the web and even fewer books. These journals cost enormous amounts of money to acquire and will likely never be available on the web.
2. The Needle in the Haystack. The article states that “the Internet is like a vast uncatalogued library”. Search engines have a particular index encrypted into their design. So while you think that Google may have all the answers you need, Yahoo might have a website that is perfect for your search but you may not have thought to look there. More importantly, this information that can be found on the web is likely to be out of date and irrelevant to current issues.
3. Quality control doesn’t exist. Anyone has access to post information on the web. (Enough said in my opinion.) There is probably more "garbage" than worthwhile material on the web. A sixth grader can learn how to build a bomb in his kitchen just be clicking a few buttons. ..scary.
4. What you don’t know really does hurt you. Journals can be published online but often you find isn’t complete. Full text articles are rare and tables, charts and graphs may be missing or distorted.
5. States can now buy one book and distribute to every library on the web-NOT! Luckily, vendors who deliver e-books only allow one digitized copy per library. So if someone checks out the online book, someone else can’t check it out until it is returned. This maintains the integrity of the book and the copyright that comes along with it.
6. You Forgot about E-book Readers. The Amazon Kindle is a great idea in theory. But when actually used for reading books, many people suffer from eye-strain and headaches. Most people prefer to read from a physical book than read online or from a screen.
7. Aren’t there library-less universities now? The most recently build university in California began its operations without a library and soon they found themselves buying books in the tens of thousands because the Internet does not have all the answers!
8. What about a virtual state library? The costs associated with digitized all the printed material written is ridiculously high and would bankrupt a state. A figure given in the article states that in order to virtualize a medium-sized library of 400,000 volumes would cost ONE TRILLION DOLLARS! A few consequences to think about are what do you do with all the material after it has been digitized, throw it away? What do you do if the power goes out? Very legitimate points, in my opinion.
9. The Internet: A mile wide, an inch deep. Not much information on the Internet is over 15 years old! A very good point as to why libraries are so important. How can you do a proper research paper on a history topic when the information you find online is only from 1993?!?
10. The Internet is ubiquitous but books are portable. In a recent survey done of those who like to buy electronic books online, more than 80% said they like buying paper books over the Internet. Books will never disappear because of the relaxation and escape that they offer to readers. You can’t escape with a computer sitting on your lap while curled up next to the fire; it is better accomplished with a simple paper book.
I think this article is really interesting and does a great job highlighting the assets of libraries. Some of the points I found most striking was number ten. I travel a lot and lugging a laptop around with me, worrying about the battery running low, finding an outlet, waiting to turn on the computer once we are 10,000 feet above ground, etc. makes the thought of reading on my computer an unpleasant one. I would prefer to carry a lightweight book that transports easily and does not require any additional electronic resources. Also, point nine is an excellent argument and should legitimize this argument any day. History is important for the future and using online sources created in the 1990s cannot be trusted to accurately portray historical information. Furthermore, topic three is a very scary realistic feature of the Internet. There are suicide assistance websites out there!!! That should wake up any parent whose child is surfing the web. Anybody who questions the importance of libraries should read this article.
News Report #4
“Nebraska Auditor cries foul on gaming in libraries”
American Libraries
3/10/09
http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/currentnews/newsarchive/2009/february2009/nebrgamingaudit.cfm?persistent=&expy_dt=
The Nebraska Library Commission decided over a year ago that they would purchase games such as Rock Band and Dance Dance Revolution which led to an audit of public accounts. Mike Foley, the auditor, stated that “the purchase of gaming equipment is a questionable use of public funds”. He further stated that using these games in State facilities on state time seemed inappropriate. The audit came after a concerned taxpayer saw the original announcement of the purchases. They spent about $600 on Play station and games, second life real estate and Flickr account memberships. The library commission director, Rod Wagner, stated that “these technologies are becoming more common in use and represent new, innovative, and effective ways to communicate, inform and educate.” The NLC, Nebraska Library Commission, proposed to use this one-time purchase to train members in the Nebraska community on integrating these games into their programming. This purchase game about because librarians were bringing their own gaming systems into the library and asking questions. The library commission decided then that it would purchase the games and make training available to all those interested. The Scottsbluff Public Library recently received a grant to buy the Wii gaming software and will begin using it in its summer “Be Creative @ your library” summer program.
This is an interesting argument and one of which I am not decided yet. When the idea of a mega-computer lab in our library was announced, I immediately thought and still think it’s a bad idea for 3 main reasons. First, I don’t think it will get used as much as people think. If you own these games, and most college students do, they won’t want to play it on campus in the library when they can play in the comfort of their own home. Secondly, the campus in general is lacking study areas in my opinion. There are not enough desk and chair areas for students to do individual or group studying. Creating this mega lab will take away a huge portion of the only studying section available on campus. Lastly, I do feel that buying gaming equipment with state funds could be deemed inappropriate. While I do think the funds should be on new and innovative technology, spending money on updating computers for example would be money better spent than the money on video games. We are in college to get an education, not to play video games. The only portion of this argument that I DO agree with is libraries need to start the move towards more technology driven facilities. This could include things like online catalogs, new computers and hardware or updating the interiors to look more modern. Without some action, libraries will remain in the “horse and buggy era” but those actions should be made cautiously and with the correct intent and purposes.
American Libraries
3/10/09
http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/currentnews/newsarchive/2009/february2009/nebrgamingaudit.cfm?persistent=&expy_dt=
The Nebraska Library Commission decided over a year ago that they would purchase games such as Rock Band and Dance Dance Revolution which led to an audit of public accounts. Mike Foley, the auditor, stated that “the purchase of gaming equipment is a questionable use of public funds”. He further stated that using these games in State facilities on state time seemed inappropriate. The audit came after a concerned taxpayer saw the original announcement of the purchases. They spent about $600 on Play station and games, second life real estate and Flickr account memberships. The library commission director, Rod Wagner, stated that “these technologies are becoming more common in use and represent new, innovative, and effective ways to communicate, inform and educate.” The NLC, Nebraska Library Commission, proposed to use this one-time purchase to train members in the Nebraska community on integrating these games into their programming. This purchase game about because librarians were bringing their own gaming systems into the library and asking questions. The library commission decided then that it would purchase the games and make training available to all those interested. The Scottsbluff Public Library recently received a grant to buy the Wii gaming software and will begin using it in its summer “Be Creative @ your library” summer program.
This is an interesting argument and one of which I am not decided yet. When the idea of a mega-computer lab in our library was announced, I immediately thought and still think it’s a bad idea for 3 main reasons. First, I don’t think it will get used as much as people think. If you own these games, and most college students do, they won’t want to play it on campus in the library when they can play in the comfort of their own home. Secondly, the campus in general is lacking study areas in my opinion. There are not enough desk and chair areas for students to do individual or group studying. Creating this mega lab will take away a huge portion of the only studying section available on campus. Lastly, I do feel that buying gaming equipment with state funds could be deemed inappropriate. While I do think the funds should be on new and innovative technology, spending money on updating computers for example would be money better spent than the money on video games. We are in college to get an education, not to play video games. The only portion of this argument that I DO agree with is libraries need to start the move towards more technology driven facilities. This could include things like online catalogs, new computers and hardware or updating the interiors to look more modern. Without some action, libraries will remain in the “horse and buggy era” but those actions should be made cautiously and with the correct intent and purposes.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Reading #4
Reading #4
“The Infodiet: How Libraries Can Offer an Appetizing Alternative to Google”
Steven Bell
Since the creation of Google, more and more students are using the search engine to “research” topics to find information for assignments given in their classrooms. Only a short while back, students were often required to cite their sources used and use specific sources such as three books, two journals, one magazine, and so on. Nowadays, students are concerned with finding information the quickest way possible without regard to how credible it is and the lack of knowledge needed to evaluate such sources. With this new trend, libraries have found themselves competing with Google and search engines and are quickly losing the battle. One major problem is that the databases that libraries subscribe to are very complex and take the right “key words” to find articles on relevant topics. This is not only time consuming but frustrating for many students. ‘Infobesity’ is a term coined by James Morris which describes the numerous and low quality Google results which leads to poor quality papers and education. There is a technology that libraries will need to create to simply their databases to Google style but with the same quality results.
I agree completely that Google has begun to take over the research world and poor quality work is more frequent among college students. It is a sad fact, but one I am sure we are all guilty of. We are all busy and love to have everything come easy but we have forgotten what it means to challenge ourselves academically. While searching databases does take time and effort, don’t you want to put in the time to get better grades than others who only search Google? Since being in the library class, I have already discovered how useful and informative the databases can be that the library offers and in the past few weeks have already used them for research projects. I wish I could have known sooner about them…maybe the class should be required for everyone. Wile I do agree that maybe databases are confusing and complex, I think that people in college need to rise to the occasion and do quality work that in the long run, will benefit them later in life. We need to stop rushing things and asking to be spoon fed. Take a little more time to do your research and produce quality work and it will pay off in the end.
“The Infodiet: How Libraries Can Offer an Appetizing Alternative to Google”
Steven Bell
Since the creation of Google, more and more students are using the search engine to “research” topics to find information for assignments given in their classrooms. Only a short while back, students were often required to cite their sources used and use specific sources such as three books, two journals, one magazine, and so on. Nowadays, students are concerned with finding information the quickest way possible without regard to how credible it is and the lack of knowledge needed to evaluate such sources. With this new trend, libraries have found themselves competing with Google and search engines and are quickly losing the battle. One major problem is that the databases that libraries subscribe to are very complex and take the right “key words” to find articles on relevant topics. This is not only time consuming but frustrating for many students. ‘Infobesity’ is a term coined by James Morris which describes the numerous and low quality Google results which leads to poor quality papers and education. There is a technology that libraries will need to create to simply their databases to Google style but with the same quality results.
I agree completely that Google has begun to take over the research world and poor quality work is more frequent among college students. It is a sad fact, but one I am sure we are all guilty of. We are all busy and love to have everything come easy but we have forgotten what it means to challenge ourselves academically. While searching databases does take time and effort, don’t you want to put in the time to get better grades than others who only search Google? Since being in the library class, I have already discovered how useful and informative the databases can be that the library offers and in the past few weeks have already used them for research projects. I wish I could have known sooner about them…maybe the class should be required for everyone. Wile I do agree that maybe databases are confusing and complex, I think that people in college need to rise to the occasion and do quality work that in the long run, will benefit them later in life. We need to stop rushing things and asking to be spoon fed. Take a little more time to do your research and produce quality work and it will pay off in the end.
Friday, February 13, 2009
reading #3
Reading #3
“The Future of Libraries- Beginning the Great Transformation”
Thomas Frey
The works of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci have survived through the ages with the protection under libraries. Libraries served as a storage house for manuscripts, art, important documents and books that were often to expensive for the common people to own them. With the invention of the printing press by Johann Gutenberg in 1455, books are able to be reproduced in mass quantities and over 500,000 books were in circulation 50 years later. Andrew Carnegie provided funding for over 2,509 libraries in the US and overseas. Since the beginning of libraries, information was hard to access and was only available to the privileged. Now information is readily available to anyone, anywhere and free of charge. There are 10 key trends that affect the future of libraries.
1.Communication systems are continually changing the way people access information.
2.All technology ends. All technologies commonly used today will be replaced by something new.
3.We haven’t yet reached the ultimate small particle for storage. But soon.
4.Search technology will become increasingly more complicated.
5.Time compression is changing the lifestyle of library patrons.
6.Over time we will be transition to a verbal society.
7.The demand for global information is growing exponentially.
8.The stage is being set for a new era of global systems.
9.We are transitioning from a product-based economy to an experience based economy.
10.Libraries will transition from a center of information to a center of culture.
Libraries will always have a place in cities and in history but they must evolve as everything does in order to “reinvent” themselves. Some of the tactics that libraries can and should utilize in the future are patron surveys, the use of advanced technology, and
creative spaces like blogger stations and art studios.
As a little girl, I can still remember going to the library for story telling time and sitting on big dragon pillows listening to the librarian. The walls were painted as if a castle and we would always search for the little critters that would be hidden in the grass and behind castle walls. To take home with us, we would check out as many as 15 books at a time. Usually my picks were The Berenstain Bears, The Boxcar Children and Goosebumps. Even though technology is changing, libraries will always be a necessary part of community infrastructure and I look forward to taking my children to the library for story time as well.
“The Future of Libraries- Beginning the Great Transformation”
Thomas Frey
The works of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci have survived through the ages with the protection under libraries. Libraries served as a storage house for manuscripts, art, important documents and books that were often to expensive for the common people to own them. With the invention of the printing press by Johann Gutenberg in 1455, books are able to be reproduced in mass quantities and over 500,000 books were in circulation 50 years later. Andrew Carnegie provided funding for over 2,509 libraries in the US and overseas. Since the beginning of libraries, information was hard to access and was only available to the privileged. Now information is readily available to anyone, anywhere and free of charge. There are 10 key trends that affect the future of libraries.
1.Communication systems are continually changing the way people access information.
2.All technology ends. All technologies commonly used today will be replaced by something new.
3.We haven’t yet reached the ultimate small particle for storage. But soon.
4.Search technology will become increasingly more complicated.
5.Time compression is changing the lifestyle of library patrons.
6.Over time we will be transition to a verbal society.
7.The demand for global information is growing exponentially.
8.The stage is being set for a new era of global systems.
9.We are transitioning from a product-based economy to an experience based economy.
10.Libraries will transition from a center of information to a center of culture.
Libraries will always have a place in cities and in history but they must evolve as everything does in order to “reinvent” themselves. Some of the tactics that libraries can and should utilize in the future are patron surveys, the use of advanced technology, and
creative spaces like blogger stations and art studios.
As a little girl, I can still remember going to the library for story telling time and sitting on big dragon pillows listening to the librarian. The walls were painted as if a castle and we would always search for the little critters that would be hidden in the grass and behind castle walls. To take home with us, we would check out as many as 15 books at a time. Usually my picks were The Berenstain Bears, The Boxcar Children and Goosebumps. Even though technology is changing, libraries will always be a necessary part of community infrastructure and I look forward to taking my children to the library for story time as well.
Monday, February 9, 2009
News Report #4
“Whales serve as backdrop for aquarium yoga classes”
Doug Gross, CNN
2/6/09
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/02/06/yoga.whales/index.html?eref=rss_tech
The Georgia Aquarium is considered the largest aquarium with 80,000 animals and 8 million gallons of water. Along with its extensive number of animals to view, visitors can now take yoga classes at the aquarium and they are offered in front of the beluga whale tank. Since opening in 2005, the belugas have been one of the favorite exhibits because of their slow-moving gracefulness. These large elegant animals help inspire the mood that yoga helps inspire. Instructors hope that the energy belugas exhibit helps the yoga participants feel the same way. The spokesman for the aquarium said they are always trying to do something new so that each time you visit there’s a new program, a new animal, or a new exhibit. With the struggling economy, the aquarium has seen the negative effects as well with a decrease in visitors. One of the yoga students stated that the atmosphere in the whale exhibit enhanced her yoga experience. The ocean is known for its sense of peace and calm.
I think this is a great idea and it’s very innovative. Not only is yoga becoming more popular, but this is a great way to attract more funds to the aquarium and it of course enhances the experience that you get from yoga. I know that I would definitely want to go to a few classes. I think the cost is slightly high for $20 per class for members and $35 for non-members, however, that does include a day pass to the rest of the aquarium. I would take advantage of both experiences if I were to attend.
Doug Gross, CNN
2/6/09
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/02/06/yoga.whales/index.html?eref=rss_tech
The Georgia Aquarium is considered the largest aquarium with 80,000 animals and 8 million gallons of water. Along with its extensive number of animals to view, visitors can now take yoga classes at the aquarium and they are offered in front of the beluga whale tank. Since opening in 2005, the belugas have been one of the favorite exhibits because of their slow-moving gracefulness. These large elegant animals help inspire the mood that yoga helps inspire. Instructors hope that the energy belugas exhibit helps the yoga participants feel the same way. The spokesman for the aquarium said they are always trying to do something new so that each time you visit there’s a new program, a new animal, or a new exhibit. With the struggling economy, the aquarium has seen the negative effects as well with a decrease in visitors. One of the yoga students stated that the atmosphere in the whale exhibit enhanced her yoga experience. The ocean is known for its sense of peace and calm.
I think this is a great idea and it’s very innovative. Not only is yoga becoming more popular, but this is a great way to attract more funds to the aquarium and it of course enhances the experience that you get from yoga. I know that I would definitely want to go to a few classes. I think the cost is slightly high for $20 per class for members and $35 for non-members, however, that does include a day pass to the rest of the aquarium. I would take advantage of both experiences if I were to attend.
News Report #3
“Safety council urges ban on cell phone use while driving”
Tom Watkins, CNN
1/12/09
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/12/cell.phone.driving/index.html
Everyone has been waiting for the day for a national law against driving while using your cell phone, yet still we drive freely talking on our cell phones constantly.
The National Safety Council has called for a nationwide ban against talking on your cell phone while driving. Studies have shown that it is an extremely dangerous habit and it increases your risks of a crash four times. Six states have already enacted laws that ban the use of hand held phones while driving but that does not include Bluetooth usage and other hands free devices. Research states that hands free talking still does not make driving while talking any safer. In 2003, a study done by the Harvard Center of Risk Analysis estimated that crashes involving the use of cell phones accounted for 6% of all crashes with 330,000 injuries, 12,000 of them serious and 2, 600 fatal. This results in an estimated cost of $43 billion in cell phone related crashes. The National safety Council is sending out letters to government agencies to adopt these state bans which of course would not be a very popular decision if passed. The cell phone industry obviously opposes the ban. Representatives from the industry stated that there can be a sensible and responsible usage of cell phones. Inappropriate times would be during bad weather, intense conversations or heavy traffic. They also go on to explain that other studies show that other habits can be just as detrimental, such as reaching for objects, drowsiness, pushing audio buttons, eating and other passengers.
I do agree that talking on cell phones while driving is dangerous, however, I think that text messaging is extremely dangerous as that requires you to have a constant eye off the road and on your phone instead. Talking on my cell phone helps pass the time while driving long distances and very rarely do I find myself not talking while driving. I cannot imagine getting in my car and driving home without scrolling through my contact list and deciding who to call. I think that it would be impossible to enforce such a policy as 90% of Americans own cell phones and 80% admit to using them while driving. The police would be pulling over people every 5 seconds. I do encourage people to use hands free devices like Bluetooth’s are they are more comfortable, convenient and safer to use. Talking on a cell phone is definitely a distraction but changing CD’s, talking to passengers, and eating are just as dangerous and everyone performs those habits. Do we ban eating in your car too? It just seems like such a ridiculous idea to try to implement. I might agree with the “idea” of banning cell phone usage and I wish people could talk while passing closer attention, but the truth is it would just be impossible to ban cell phones while driving.
Tom Watkins, CNN
1/12/09
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/12/cell.phone.driving/index.html
Everyone has been waiting for the day for a national law against driving while using your cell phone, yet still we drive freely talking on our cell phones constantly.
The National Safety Council has called for a nationwide ban against talking on your cell phone while driving. Studies have shown that it is an extremely dangerous habit and it increases your risks of a crash four times. Six states have already enacted laws that ban the use of hand held phones while driving but that does not include Bluetooth usage and other hands free devices. Research states that hands free talking still does not make driving while talking any safer. In 2003, a study done by the Harvard Center of Risk Analysis estimated that crashes involving the use of cell phones accounted for 6% of all crashes with 330,000 injuries, 12,000 of them serious and 2, 600 fatal. This results in an estimated cost of $43 billion in cell phone related crashes. The National safety Council is sending out letters to government agencies to adopt these state bans which of course would not be a very popular decision if passed. The cell phone industry obviously opposes the ban. Representatives from the industry stated that there can be a sensible and responsible usage of cell phones. Inappropriate times would be during bad weather, intense conversations or heavy traffic. They also go on to explain that other studies show that other habits can be just as detrimental, such as reaching for objects, drowsiness, pushing audio buttons, eating and other passengers.
I do agree that talking on cell phones while driving is dangerous, however, I think that text messaging is extremely dangerous as that requires you to have a constant eye off the road and on your phone instead. Talking on my cell phone helps pass the time while driving long distances and very rarely do I find myself not talking while driving. I cannot imagine getting in my car and driving home without scrolling through my contact list and deciding who to call. I think that it would be impossible to enforce such a policy as 90% of Americans own cell phones and 80% admit to using them while driving. The police would be pulling over people every 5 seconds. I do encourage people to use hands free devices like Bluetooth’s are they are more comfortable, convenient and safer to use. Talking on a cell phone is definitely a distraction but changing CD’s, talking to passengers, and eating are just as dangerous and everyone performs those habits. Do we ban eating in your car too? It just seems like such a ridiculous idea to try to implement. I might agree with the “idea” of banning cell phone usage and I wish people could talk while passing closer attention, but the truth is it would just be impossible to ban cell phones while driving.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
