Text messaging is arguably one of the most common forms of communication and an excellent alternative to making a phone call. However, texting while you drive is dangerous behavior.
Much like making a phone call, eating, drinking, talking to other passengers, or any other form of distracted driving, texting takes your attention off the road, increasing the possibility of an accident. As such, texting and driving should never go together.
Keep reading as we explore why texting and driving should never mix.
Distracted driving statistics
Since mobile phones came into existence, texting while driving has proved to be one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. According to the Insurance Information Institute, over 340 fatal crashes in 2018 involved using a cellphone while driving.
This makes cell phone-related distraction while driving one of the most common causes of car accidents in America. According to the CDC, the reason behind this is simple. Reading or sending a text causes a five-second distraction only, which is equivalent to driving a football field’s length with your eyes closed if your driving speed remains at 55 mph.
What texting-related distracted driving entails
Distracted driving can be classified into three primary types, all of which come into play in texting while driving:
- Visual distractions. Visual distractions refer to any form of distraction that takes your eyes off the road. For example, reading or typing a text message involves taking your eyes off the road to the phone screen.
- Manual distractions. These are distractions that take your hand off the wheel. For instance, typing a message or click on the phone to read a text involves getting one hand off the wheel, which can significantly increase the chances of causing an accident.
- Cognitive distraction. These are distractions that take your mind off the road. When reading or typing a text, your mind focuses on what to say or read, increasing your chances of causing an accident.
Risks associated with texting while driving
It could cost your life or the lives of others.
Sadly, distracted driving poses a risk not only to the driver involved but also to other motorists and road users. For instance, in 2018, about 1 out of 5 deaths resulting from distracted driving involved pedestrians, cyclists, and other people outside a vehicle.
Jail time and fines
Laws concerning texting and driving may vary from state to state. However, in most cases, penalties for texting while driving can include monetary fines ranging from as low as $20 up to $500 depending on the jurisdiction or prison time if the offense results in an accident causing bodily harm to other road users.
Insurance rate hikes
If you think that your auto insurance premiums are high, wait until your insurer realizes you have been charged for texting while driving or the same is cited in a police report for an accident you were involved in. Texting while driving charges will see your consecutive premiums significantly increase as insurers consider you a risky driver to cover. Other times, an insurer may decide to drop your policy if they consider you too much of a risk.
Damage to your car
Even if no one is hurt in an accident resulting from texting while driving, you risk damaging your car. A totaled vehicle can be expensive to repair or replace, especially if it is not covered for damages.
Summing up
Multi-tasking while driving is always a bad idea. Not only does it put your life in danger, but it also endangers the lives of others. If you must read or reply to a text while traveling, pull over or wait until you get to your destination. Always remember one mistake on the road could be all it takes to alter the rest of your life.
