We’ve all done it. Your phone bings or buzzes and you take your eyes off the road for a second or two to see who just texted you. You see it’s something that seemingly needs an immediate response and you balance the phone in your hand on top of the steering wheel so you can type in your reply. One hand on the wheel, one hand on the phone. One eye on the road, and one eye on the message.
While it may be a skill you think you’ve perfected, we’d like to encourage you to think again. The more text-centric our society gets, the more studies are done that point to the dangers of texting while driving. Here’s a glimpse at some stats that we hope help to change your mind before sending your next message while on the road.
Studies show that last year alone, almost 1 in 4 collisions was somehow related to cell phone usage. The distraction of your cell phone is a serious threat to your safety.
Would you ever consider driving a couple of blocks while also reading a book? Obviously, something like that seems ridiculous. We should take up the same mindset for texting and driving. Studies show that an average text averts your eyes for a minimum of 5 seconds. This may not seem like much, but at freeway speeds you’re covering quite a distance.
Texting while driving, and the distraction it is, has proved serious enough that many states are beginning to lay down the law. Maybe you aren’t even familiar with the laws in your state? This quick glimpse can give you an idea of what states have passed which laws concerning the usage of cell phone in your automobile.
Because these staggering statistics haven proven to be quite enough to sway many Americans, many cause-related organizations and movements pop up in recent years. Do some research. Join a cause that’s fighting this uphill battle. Take a stand and save a life – maybe even your own.
