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4/4/2017, 3:44pm

Accident reminds us of technology’s growing role behind the wheel, dangers it can pose

By Kayliegh Purcell

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A woman named Brooke Livering was charged with homicide by vehicle after killing 17-year-old Emily Groft — a passenger in Livering’s Mitsubishi Eclipse — because Livering was driving at an “excessive speed” in the 400 block of Big Spring Road in Goldsboro, Pennsylvania. Livering was apparently arguing over the phone via text message with her significant other, and lost control of the wheel.

Distracted driving is clearly a common problem that has evolved since the early development of new technology like cell phones. The problem is evident now with driverless cars and the continual implementation of more and more technology in vehicles. How do we balance these continual conveniences, and the need to communicate the importance of alert drivers?

The more advanced technology gets, the more of an adverse effect it has on our concentration while driving. The big question is, if we’re consciously aware of the consequences, why is there a continuation of distracted driving related accidents?

More than eight deaths and 1,161 injuries occur due to accidents involving a distracted driver every day in the United States alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people don’t realize that every time they get behind the wheel, their lives or someone else’s are at risk. This is especially the case when they are distracted with mobile devices.

Though there are already strict laws that ban texting while driving in the state of Pennsylvania, it’s very difficult for lawmakers to find a concrete way to cease distractions while driving. The bottom line is people do as they please no matter what, without fully taking into consideration the risks that lie within the situation. This is ultimately a choice that must fall on the individual. It is just unfortunate that individuals like Liverling didn’t have the foresight to avoid making that stupid choice.

Livering has to live with what she did for the rest of her life. Just a few seconds was all it took to cause the death of a young girl with her whole life ahead of her. Think about Groft the next time you decide to take your eyes off the road. Think about what your life would be like if you took the life of another human being. Think about if you would even have a life at all. 

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer and are not representative of The Slate or its staff as a whole. 

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