The Risks of Texting and Driving

Photo by melissa mjoen on Unsplash

Every day we hear news of car accidents caused by texting and driving. Teenagers seem to think they can manage texting while driving – however even experienced drivers cannot multitask efficiently.

Every second a driver spends without keeping their eyes on the road is potentially risky, with these being just some of its consequences:

1. It’s Illegal

Cell phone usage while driving is one of the leading causes of car crashes. Texting while driving is especially dangerous and illegal in many states; not only can it threaten other drivers but can lead to single vehicle accidents that severely damage both your own car and cause injuries for both yourself and other passengers.

Many may argue that they only take their eyes off the road for brief moments; yet these seconds could be enough to lead to fatal consequences. At 55 miles per hour, it takes just under four seconds for travel across one football field.

If you get caught texting while driving, the consequences may include fines and license points being assessed against you. Furthermore, injured victims could file civil court lawsuits alleging your negligence; their lawyers could seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering claims from victims of your negligence. It is therefore wise to avoid texting while driving even for just seconds as the consequences could be serious.

2. You’re Increasing Your Insurance

Texting while driving tickets will remain on your record for years, impacting how insurance is assessed and potentially making your premiums increase dramatically; even one ticket could easily cause double digit increases to occur in rates.

Many states have implemented laws prohibiting handheld cellphone use while driving, with some having stricter policies to punish drivers with multiple offenses. Many insurers classify such drivers as high-risk, which could mean losing good driver discounts or having their standard coverage denied altogether.

Young and new drivers are especially prone to distracted driving, which is why many state laws ban cell phone usage while they’re behind the wheel. This may be particularly hard on teenage drivers who may feel punished for something they know they shouldn’t be doing; five seconds may only take five seconds to read a text but something could change suddenly: for instance a child could dart out in front of your car, or traffic lights might switch suddenly without warning.

3. You’re Letting Your Friends Down

Texting while driving has been linked to numerous car accidents, causing deaths or serious injuries, making this dangerous habit extremely hazardous and increasing your chance of getting into an accident that damages both yourself and others. Even if no harm comes of it, your insurance premiums will likely skyrocket!

Distracted driving wastes precious seconds you need to react to a potential hazard and maintain control of your vehicle. If you’re concerned about missing important messages, ask one of your passengers to send it for you or wait until you reach your destination before checking. Plus, let your friends know they can count on you by keeping full focus behind the wheel; keeping phones away while driving makes you an exemplary friend!

4. You’re Taking Your Eyes Off the Road

Any time your eyes leave the road, they put you at risk of an auto accident. Texting, checking social media or eating are all activities which increase the chance of an incident occurring.

According tо Transport Canada, іt takes an average оf five seconds tо read a text message while driving at 90 km/h (55 mph) – that’s enough time tо travel the length оf a football field!

As soon as your eyes leave the road, signs can easily be missed and incorrect turns made. Single vehicle accidents often result in costly vehicle damage and injuries for everyone involved. One way to reduce these risks is to refrain from using your cell phone while driving; if necessary pull over safely to use it. Texting while driving is dangerous so don’t put yourself or others’ lives in jeopardy by texting while driving!

In conclusion, distracted driving іs a serious and growing problem оn our roads. 

Is texting and driving considered distracted? Absolutely. 

It’s a dangerous and illegal activity that puts drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk. The consequences оf distracted driving can be severe, ranging from traffic tickets and increased insurance premiums tо serious injuries and even fatalities. By putting down the phone and focusing оn the road, we can all dо our part tо make our roads safer for everyone.