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Texting While Driving: Essential Facts and Stats.
The advent of the cell phone has made life very convenient for the vast majority of individuals living in the modern world. While making communication significantly better, they have certainly not had this effect on road safety. Using a cell phone while operating an automobile is dangerous to oneself and to other drivers. Using it to text is particularly dangerous as one must frequently take his or her eyes off the road in order to do it.
Because text messages are easy to send and do not require one to speak, they have become a highly popular method of digital communication. However, accidents that occur as a result of texting while behind the wheel are on the rise, making the issue a common concern of many responsible drivers.
Driving With Distractions
Learning to drive with distractions is something that we all must do. Billboards, road construction, congested traffic conditions and even conversations taking place within the car can momentarily take one’s attention from the road ahead. However, in order to truly drive in a safe and responsible manner, the driver’s attention needs to be focused on driving as much as possible. Despite how adept one’s driving skills are, statistics prove that it is virtually impossible to pay adequate attention to traffic conditions when a percentage of the driver’s concentration is focused on his or her cellphone.
Many studies have been completed on highway distractions, almost all of which indicate that the dangers of texting while driving are more numerous than the average citizen realizes. They show a sharp reduction in driver’s reaction time, judgment and general driving skills. The following are some of the way accidents can occur when one chooses to text while he or she is driving:
• Averting one’s eyes from the road
• Dropping the cellphone while texting and attempting to retrieve it
• Taking both hands off the wheel momentarily
• Attempting to make a maneuver with one hand that normally requires two
• Getting excited or upset over the messages one is receiving
• Failing to notice slowing traffic or changing lights
• Failure to use turn signals for lane changes
Dangers of Texting While Driving Statistics
The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that in 2007, approximately 1,000 car accidents occurred as a result of texting related distractions. Over 15 percent of all fatal accidents in 2008 were the result of texting behind the wheel. In 2009, accidents caused by texting drivers caused a higher number of serious injuries than those caused by drunk driving, which most people would agree is a sobering statistic.
Surveys initiated by numerous road safety organizations and automobile insurance companies have revealed that almost all teenagers, and the majority of those in their early 20s, admitted to texting from behind the wheel. Surprisingly, many stated that even having a near miss with another vehicle did not stop them from continuing this habit. Approximately 50 percent of all drivers under age 24 text while they drive on a regular basis, and 20 percent of those over the age of 24 admitted to the same habit.
Additional studies indicated that those who frequently text while operating a car are 23 percent more likely to become involved in a serious car crash than those who shun this practice. However, despite these statistics, research shows that the number of drivers who participate in texting while behind the wheel of a car has increased, rather than decreased since 2009.
In an effort to slow this trend, several major insurance companies have considered offering a safe driver discount for those who state in writing that they do not use cellphones while driving, although such discounts have not yet been implemented. The reason for this is most likely the fact that there is no way for the agency to verify whether or not the driver will adhere to the agreement.
Inexperienced Drivers and Texting
A study completed in 2009, concluded that novice drivers who have held a license less than six months are almost twice as likely to text while driving as those who have been driving five years or more. While the reason for this trend is not known, it brings with it more unfortunate statistics. A study completed in 2010, indicated that when text messaging, inexperienced drivers spent up to 400 percent less time with their eyes on the road than when driving under normal conditions. They also made more unnecessary lane changes, and failed to use turn signals 50 percent of the time.
Additional Considerations
Ultimately, one’s chances of becoming involved in a serious automobile accident increase by 400 percent when the driver chooses to use his or her cell phone while driving. Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of the aforementioned statistics is that such car accidents are 100 percent preventable. While it is not yet known the impact these statistics will eventually have on insurance rates and lawsuits, it is safe to assume that the impact will be negative.
Even though the dangers of texting and driving can result in accidents, injury and death, not many individuals have been quick to mend their ways regarding this habit. For this reason, several jurisdictions have banned the use of cellphones altogether when one is behind the wheel.
Some experts predict that texting while driving laws will be implemented in every state in the nation before 2020. Naturally, the severity of the texting while driving penalties will have a direct effect on how closely they are adhered to by drivers. Awareness is key where these dangers are concerned, and many non-profit or government websites offer statistical information about the risks of texting while driving. However, it remains to be seen if drivers will ultimately realize the impact of cellphone use on highway safety, and refrain from this unwise activity.
The Governor’s Highway Safety Association
Maintains an excellent website with current information on texting while driving laws. Here are 5 tips from them:
- Turn your phone off or to silent mode before driving.
- Pull over to a safe area before making a call.
- Ask someone else in the car to make any needed phone calls.
- Do not EVER text, surf the web or read your email while driving.
- Familiarize yourself local laws.
For more information from the GHSA click here..
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