Text, Call, Crash : 5 Reasons to Put Down the Phone While on the Road
We all know texting and driving shouldn’t mix, but it’s all too easy to reach over and check an incoming message or try and shoot back a reply at a red light. One of the reasons it’s so easy to go ahead and text while driving is because it can be done so quickly. Many drivers also feel that they can go ahead and text and drive as long as they are careful. Not so! Texting while driving is incredibly risky—here are five reasons you should put down your phone while on the road:
- Texting while driving increases your risk of crashing.
According to research performed at the University of Utah, texting while driving makes you 8 times more likely to crash than driving without texting. If that’s not enough reason to put down your phone, a recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shows that texting while driving may put you at a 23 times higher risk of crash. Whether the number is closer to 8 or 23 times matters less than simply refusing to text and drive. Either risk is too great.
- It is illegal in many places.
Most states restrict texting while driving, and some also have bans on talking on your cell phone without hands-free assistance. Not only can you be cited for texting while driving, in some states you can be pulled over for nothing more than texting behind the wheel. Even if there is no statewide texting ban, texting while driving may be against the law in certain cities or counties.
- Texting takes your eyes off the road.
The same study mentioned earlier from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute showed that drivers who text while driving look away from the road for an average of 5 seconds at a time. A lot can happen in 5 seconds, especially at high speeds. When you look away from the road, you may swerve unintentionally or miss vehicles, debris, or pedestrians crossing your path.
- You will make more mistakes texting.
Have you ever sent a text to the wrong person by mistake? Or made a spelling error that completely changed the gist of your message? You will understand and communicate better if you focus on one thing at a time. If you must send a message before you reach the end of your trip, pull over and send a text from a parking lot.
- It could cost you money.
If you get pulled over and cited for texting while driving, or if you are involved in an accident due to distracted driving, you could face higher fines than you might expect. Your car insurance rates will almost certainly go up as well! Read info from Abels & Ames for specifics on failure to yield and other distracted driving accidents and what they could mean to your safety and pocketbook.
Whether it’s your safety, the safety of others, or simply a desire to save money, commit today to put down your phone while you drive and avoid the incredible risks of texting while driving.
