Understanding The Dangers Of Texting And Driving

Distracted driving has become a hot topic around the country in recent years as a growing proportion of the total fatal accidents happening each year prove to be the result of the habits that lead to driver distraction. To fight this, states have begun enacting a variety of laws that punish drivers for texting while they are on the road. For many, though, these legal penalties are not enough to curb the behavior. That is why it is important for every driver to understand just how big the risks can be.

Statistics that capture the risks

The Huffington Post did some digging in 2015 and found the following facts about texting and car accidents:

• Nine people are killed every day from motor vehicle accidents that involve texting and driving.
• 25 percent of all motor vehicle crashes are now related to cell phone activity.
• 33 percent of all drivers under the age of 64 report texting or reading a text while driving at least once.
• The use of a cell phone while driving at all increases crash risks fourfold.
• Five seconds is how long most drivers take their eyes off the road to send a text.

At the time the article was written, 46 states had passed laws against texting and driving, demonstrating how serious the issue is nationwide. Clearly, from the numbers, making texting and driving illegal is not the only thing that needs to happen. Individual drivers also need to take it upon themselves to make sure they minimize their risks.

Reducing the temptation to use your cell phone

If you are driving and you are trying to avoid using your cell phone so you can reduce distracted driving, then your best option is making sure it is placed where you cannot reach it. If you use it to stream music or to navigate, set those features before you get on the road, and then put the phone in a purse or in a place where you cannot reach it without pulling over and stopping the car.

If you are in an accident

When you are in an accident that involves another driver texting or performing other dangerous and distracting activities, you need a lawyer who understands your situation. The right lawyer will be able to tell you whether you have a case for compensation for your medical expenses, so do not wait.

Contact a qualified accident attorney as soon as you can after any major accident to make sure your interests are protected.