Introduction
Talking on the phone while driving is not safe. That is why the government implemented a law banning the use of cellphones while driving. Drivers caught talking on the phones in moving cars receive a fine and penalty points on their driver’s licenses. However, hands-free kits enable drivers to speak without holding the phone to their ears. Many think that, despite the device, people should be prohibited from using hands-free kits while driving, which is not illegal. Let’s see what Henry and Ashley have to say.
Henry
(Constructive)
Using hands-free kits while driving should be prohibited. Traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of injury and mortality. Therefore, drivers should concentrate on driving safely and responsibly. Phone conversations while driving are distracting! Imagine if the driver starts fighting over the phone. He or she would become focused on the heated conversation rather than on the road. This is dangerous for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Drivers should not be allowed to use any type of phone. Period!
Ashley
(Constructive)
Using hands-free kits while driving should not be prohibited. Using the phone while driving is not safe because drivers generally have to hold the phone with one hand and the steering wheel with the other. It is also dangerous when drivers try to answer their phones while driving. However, hands-free kits eliminate all these problems. Drivers can continue driving with two hands on the steering wheel and effortlessly answer and speak into their hands-free mobile devices.
Henry
(Rebuttal)
So, you are saying that phone conversations are more important than safe driving. Unless it is an emergency, all phone conversations should wait until the driver is no longer driving. It is dangerous for the driver to be doing anything other than driving. In particular, the driver is at risk when he or she is more concentrated on talking than driving. Hands-free kits do not solve this issue. Drivers should be both physically and mentally focused on driving.
Ashley
(Rebuttal)
If talking to another person while driving is so perilous, then the government should ban drivers from talking to their passengers! Drivers often have conversation with their passengers while driving. It is not the conversation that is a problem. It is the fact that drivers should have two hands on the steering wheel at all times. Hands-free kits allow drivers to talk on the phone in a safe and responsible way. The government should encourage all drivers to acquire hands-free kits.
Judge’s
Comments
The winner of today’s debate is Ashley. Henry committed the debate fallacy called strawman. Debaters commit this fallacy when they attack an exaggerated version of their opponents’ arguments. Henry said, “So, you are saying that phone conversations are more important than safe driving.” This is an exaggerated version of Ashley’s argument that unfairly makes Ashley look bad. Exaggerating your opponent’s argument may make it easier to attack. But remember that fair debaters only attack accurate versions of their opponent’s arguments.