Cell Phones and Distracted Driving

Cell phones have become so pervasive; this timely series deals with several aspects of them in today’s society. Each title lists related organizations and websites as well as providing additional books, Internet sources and periodicals for further research on the topic. This series offers both expert and consumer viewpoints; it details both the positive and negative aspects of each topic fairly evenly. The highlighted sidebars emphasize a timely aspect cell phones have on a particular area of our life. This is an extremely balanced, well-written series on a very timely and important topic.

Gr 9 Up–This series explores the various ways, both positive and negative, in which cell phones affect society and shape our modern lives and interactions with others. Readers will be drawn in by real-life examples and text boxes with supplemental information and quotes. Research is cited, but some statements that are presented as fact are not always supported. Although there is discussion about how children and teens are influenced by cell phones, particularly in Cell Phones and Teens, these are definitely aimed at high school readers. The large blocks of unbroken text and small type may be overwhelming to reluctant readers. Suitable choices.

Despite all sorts of warnings, who hasn’t been tempted to talk or text on a cell phone while driving? In this
volume of the Cell Phones and Society series, no holds are barred in providing statistics, case studies, and
incident examples that should convince every individual to turn his or her cell phone off when driving.
Drivers are distracted by a variety of situations—eating, drinking, applying makeup, even shaving—but, as
the caption of one photograph states, “texting while driving is considered to be one of the biggest hazards
on the road.” The always interesting narrative is interspersed with compelling personal anecdotes, color
photographs, relevant quotes, detailed source notes, and extensive sources for additional research. Given
the relevance of the subject to the readership, this should get plenty of attention and use in libraries.

Despite all sorts of warnings, who hasn’t been tempted to talk or text on a cell phone while driving? In this volume of the Cell Phones and Society series, no holds are barred in providing statistics, case studies, and incident examples that should convince every individual to turn his or her cell phone off when driving. Drivers are distracted by a variety of situations—eating, drinking, applying makeup, even shaving—but, as the caption of one photograph states, “texting while driving is considered to be one of the biggest hazards on the road.” The always interesting narrative is interspersed with compelling personal anecdotes, color photographs, relevant quotes, detailed source notes, and extensive sources for additional research. Given the relevance of the subject to the readership, this should get plenty of attention and use in libraries.