Texting and driving is a huge topic in today’s society. Here are some important things you should know about the effects of reckless driving.
- Even Hands-Free Technology Is Unsafe
The consequences of usafe driving aren’t limited to physically picking up your phone. You may think that using Bluetooth technology or a headset is safe. Unfortunately, even using voice commands can result in dangerous distractions.
- It’s Especially Common Among Teens
The group of people that are most likely to receive a California texting ticket are teenagers. Adolescents are also more likely to die in distracted driving accidents.
- Sending a Text Takes Longer Than You Think
You may think it only takes a second or less to send a message, but the reality is quite different. It takes about 5 seconds on average to send a text message. If you’re driving at 55 mph while sending a text, you may travel the equivalent length of a football field with your eyes off the road.
- Drivers Aren’t the Only Guilty Ones
If your friends, family members, or co-workers know that you’re driving, they should avoid texting or calling you. This will reduce the temptation you get to use your phone while on the road.
- Nine People Die from Distracted Driving Every Day
While terrorist attacks and gun violence may make the news, the fact that distracted driving takes so many lives often goes underreported.
- Distracted Driving Crashes Make Up 18% of Deadly Crashes
This means thousands of people die every year due to texting and driving.
- It Puts Everyone’s Life at Risk
Taking your attention from the important task of driving safely puts every person around you at risk of dying–including yourself.
- Our Society Is Addicted to Smartphones
One reason texting and driving is such a monumental issue is because we can’t go without our phones for an extended period of time. Some people can’t even go a few minutes without checking their phones.
- It’s Illegal
Several states have specifically outlawed texting and driving. Even in states without these laws, it’s still unlawful to partake in reckless driving. If a cop catches you being distracted and careless, you’ll need reckless driving lawyers to help.
- It Makes You Take Your Hands Off the Wheel
You need to use at least one hand to use your phone while driving. This means you won’t be physically ready to react to any dangerous situations that occur.
- It Takes Your Eyes Off the Road
Using your phone diverts your eyes from your mirrors, blind spots, and the road in front of you.
- Texting May Lead to Other Dangerous Distractions
If you’re prone to using your phone while driving, you may think it’s no big deal to eat, drink, or apply makeup while driving. However, all these distractions are dangerous.
- Solo Motorists Text More
On average, drivers are less likely to text if they have at least one passenger. Driving alone makes it more tempting to text.
- You May Face Murder Charges for Distracted Driving
This is how serious texting and driving is. When you take your attention away from driving, you can crash into another car or run into a pedestrian. If this results in a fatality, you may face severe criminal penalties.
- People Don’t Take This Information Seriously Enough
You may forget about these facts and statistics by the next time you drive. Make sure you take these warnings to heart.
While most people understand that texting and driving is wrong, it’s still a common activity. If you face any tickets or criminal charges for distracted driving, make sure you contact a traffic ticket fixer from The Ticket Clinic.
