Safety Issues Related to Technology

Society takes steady technological advancement for granted, assuming the accompanying changes will generally benefit humanity. While technological advances can facilitate work and offer new leisure options, technology adoption can also have unexpected consequences, creating new risks and safety issues.

Driving Safety and Technology

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 16 percent of 2008's fatal crashes involved the driver's attention being fixated on a device such as a cell phone instead of the road. Individual states such as California and New York have responded to the problem by passing legislation prohibiting distracted driving.

Environmental Hazards

• The EPA reports that proximity to CRT televisions and monitors at home and work will saturate you with constant low level X-ray radiation, which can damage cellular DNA. Discarded consumer electronic products also produce environmental hazards, introducing toxins such as lead and mercury into landfills and the surrounding environment.

Technology and Privacy

• While social networking can be a fun way to connect with friends, volunteering personal information can lead to unwanted attention and abuse. Cyberstalking involves using electronic media to harass and threaten a victim and in some cases, it is just the prelude to physical stalking and assault.