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Studies have also shown that about 25% of auto accidents in the country are caused by texting while driving. Mobile phones have revolutionized how people stay connected at all times. However, this creates safety risks if someone decides to check their texts or emails while driving. Cell phone distraction has become a serious problem among American drivers.
The statistics illustrating the dangers of texting while behind the wheel are worrying. According to some studies, more than 60,000 drivers attempt to text while driving at any given time. About 1.5 million crashes occur due to cell phone use, resulting in hundreds of thousands of injuries annually. The rate of injury is higher in some areas than others. For example, in 2019, 1,200 crash-related injuries were reported in St. Landry Parish alone.
Is texting and driving more dangerous than driving under the influence? Yes. According to some researchers, it is six times likely to cause auto accidents than driving drunk. When you text while driving, you’re likely to spend four times more time with the eyes on your phone. Of all the tasks you can carry out with your cell phone, texting is considered the most dangerous for drivers.
Why Texting and Driving Is Dangerous
Are you still wondering why you should stop the habit? Here are some of the reasons you should consider stopping:
It Endangers Innocent Lives
If you decide to text and drive, you’re risking the lives of the passengers and other road users. Even reading or replying to a text message while behind the wheel can cause a serious or fatal accident. It is one thing to put your life at risk, but it is unfair to engage in activities that put other lives at risk. Innocent people like your kids, other drivers, friends, or pedestrians do not deserve that.
When you refrain from using your cell while you’re behind the wheel, you also benefit from safe driving. Note that when you make poor decisions such as responding or checking some texts while behind the wheel, you will take your eyes off the road. This is also risking your own life.
The Chances of a Crash Are High
Some studies have shown that people who text and drive are about 20% more likely to cause an auto accident. Besides causing an increase in insurance premiums, being involved in a car crash means you may also spend a lot of money to fix or replace your car.
It May Be an Offense
Besides the harm that the habit causes, texting while driving is prohibited in many jurisdictions. The applicable fines and other legal actions vary depending on where you live. In some areas, you are only required to pay $20. However, in other states, the fine can be as high as $500 or more. Some drivers have been forced to pay hundreds of dollars for merely being caught with their phones in their hands.
If you cause an accident due texting and driving, you may face dire consequences. For example, for serious injuries, you may be imprisoned, especially if the incident occurs near a learning institution or work zone. If you cause an accident that results in property damage or kills other road users, you may face felony charges and years in jail.
You Will Pay Higher Insurance Premiums
If you engage in distracted driving while texting and driving and end up causing an auto accident, your insurance rates will increase, and you will be required to pay higher premiums for your policy.
Common Accidents Due to Texting and Driving
If you decide to text while behind the wheel, you increase the risk of causing the following types of accidents:
- Rear-end crashes
- Head-on collision
Rear-end crashes are some of the most common. When texting, your eyes will be glued on your cell phone, and you may not see the cars in front of you. If you drive a passenger car and hit a large truck, you may end up right underneath it and incur serious injuries. Also, if you stare at your phone, it means you will have less control over your car. This may cause you to drift into oncoming traffic.
No matter who is texting and what they have to say, it is simply not worth it to use your cell phone for any purpose while you are driving. If you believe a message will be that important, it’s always a better idea to pull over before you check it.
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This content is brought to you by Michelle Eddy.
Photo: Shutterstock
