All posts tagged texting while driving

Texting While Driving – Bad News For You and Those Around You

by Carsurfer Admin on 2023/06/09 in On the Road with Comments Off on Texting While Driving – Bad News For You and Those Around You
texting while driving

Texting while driving is a dangerous behavior that has become increasingly pervasive in recent years. It puts both the driver and other people on the roads at risk of serious injury or death.

Despite this, many drivers continue to be behind the wheel, disregarding safety and putting themselves and others in harm’s way.

The Dangers of Texting While Driving

The risk of accidents increases greatly when drivers are distracted by their cell phones. According to research from The American Automobile Association (AAA), texting while driving increases the chances of an accident by up to 23 times compared with those who drive without distractions like their phone or radio.

It only takes a few seconds to look at your phone and send or read a text message, but in that time you can easily cover the length of two football fields if you are driving at 55 mph. This kind of distraction puts not only yourself, but other drivers around you in serious danger. Every second spent looking away from the road increases your risk for getting into an accident exponentially.

When distracted by their cell phones, people’s reaction times slow down significantly and they become less aware of what is happening on the road ahead of them. For this reason, it is vitally important to keep your eyes on the road and off your phone while behind the wheel.

It Is Illegal In Many States To Text And Drive At The Same Time

Texting while driving has become a serious public safety concern in the United States. It is illegal in 47 states and Washington D.C., with some states having stricter penalties than others for those caught texting behind the wheel.

These laws are meant to protect drivers from distracted driving-related accidents, which can cause devastating injuries or even death. For example, in California it is illegal for anyone under 18 years old to use any type of electronic device such as a cell phone while driving; all adult drivers must use a hands-free device.

The fines for this offense can be steep; and drivers need to be aware of the laws in their state before engaging in any kind of distracted driving behavior.

It Is Important To Put Safety First

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounted for 3,477 fatalities and 391,000 injuries in 2015 alone. Of those accidents, nearly 10 percent were caused by drivers who were using their cell phones while behind the wheel.

This equates to over 350 deaths and almost 40,000 injuries that could have been prevented by simply putting down the phone. The number of accidents due to a driver texting or looking at their phone while driving is staggering – and completely avoidable.

No matter where you are, it is important to put safety first and avoid any type of distracted driving such as texting while behind the wheel. Taking your eyes off the road even for a few seconds can drastically increase the risk of an accident. So it is best to wait until you have reached your destination or pulled over somewhere safe before checking your messages or other phone functions.

Safer Options While Driving

Fortunately, there are safer options available for those who want to use their cell phones while driving. For instance, hands-free devices allow drivers to access their cell phone functions without having to take their eyes off the road.

Additionally, voice-activated systems provide a safe way of dialing numbers and sending messages without ever having to touch your device. Many cars now come equipped with Bluetooth technology which allows you to pair your device with your car’s audio system so you can safely receive calls and texts while on the go.

By utilizing these safer methods of using your cell phone while driving we can all help reduce our chances of being involved in an accident caused by distracted drivers.

Conclusion

Texting while driving is a dangerous behavior that should not be taken lightly – stay alert and focused on the road ahead and never text while driving.

By following these guidelines, you can help keep yourself and those around you safe on the road. Whether it is a law in your state or not, be sure to always practice safe driving habits and stay attentive to other drivers. Even if you think that your cell phone isn’t a distraction, it is still best to avoid texting while driving – it could save lives!

image credit: envato.com

Dangerous Driving Habits You Need to Stop Right Now!

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/04/24 in On the Road with Comments Off on Dangerous Driving Habits You Need to Stop Right Now!

There are certain habits that should just not happen on the road. Safe driving is for the benefit of every driver out there, not to mention their passengers. While on occasion, we’ll all have a bad day or make a few mistakes, efforts should be made every time you get into a car, to follow the rules and drive appropriately. Here are some of the most common examples to stay away from.

Texting

With the advent of cell phones, texting has shot to the top of the list for causes of crashes. Some of those accidents end in fatalities which is even worse. Whoever, is on the other end of a text can wait until you can safely reply.

Talking

Talking is a distraction that can wreak havoc while driving. You should always be aware of your surroundings while talking on the phone or to a passenger. If you’re going to have a heated discussion, save it for later. Try to concentrate on the road and save all phone calls for when you can talk freely.

Eating

Eating while driving is never a good idea. Even if you are crunched for time during a lunch break, it’s worth waiting until you reach your destination before you scarf down your food. Potential accidents are avoided, and you can actually taste what you had for lunch. You can also avoid potential spills that could cause you to loose control.

Turn Signals

The drivers around you are not mind readers. A habit of using turn signals should be employed when changing lanes, and making turns no matter where you are. Like the safety belt, turn signals are a feature that save lives and decrease property damage from accidents due to no communication.

Stop Signs

Get out of the habit of rolling stops. As Keyser Defense reminds, drivers are required to come to a complete stop, followed by looking both ways before proceeding. As children we learned how to cross the street using an invisible stop sign. Use this strategy even more carefully while behind the wheel and always be on the lookout for animals or pedestrians.

Tailgating

Tailgating is the main cause of rear-end collisions. The three second rule is a trick that can help you remain a safe distance from the car in front of you. An exception is in inclement weather. According to a Minnesota Assault Defense lawyer, you should use judgment on how much additional space is needed by increasing the three second rule to an appropriate marker.

Speeding

Most of us don’t realize the actual science in determining speed limits. However, there are times when a curve comes up, and you better understand. Drives with straight shots can encourage drivers to speed, but this is a deceiving habit not to indulge in.

Accidents for any reason can lead to court costs, defense attorney fees, increased insurance rates, and worse. Being an alert and considerate driver will protect you and your property as well as every other car on the road.

Article Bio:
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.