Texting and Driving: Stats and Solutions

Texting and driving. They’re both great things, but when done at the same time, they can make for a deadly combination. Deaths from texting and driving are on the rise, and some say distracted driving has become even more deadly than drunk driving. Several accidents are caused by texting while driving; in fact, it’s estimated that the number of accidents in which texting while driving was the culprit is about one in four. Let’s take a look at some sobering statistics and hopefully scare you just enough that you never text and drive again.

Sobering statistics about texting and driving

-According to the GHSA, 46 states ban text messaging for all drivers

-5 seconds is the minimal amount of time your attention is taken off the road while texting and driving

-Text messaging makes a crash up to 23 times more likely

–49% of adults admit to texting and driving

-Cell phones are a factor in 1.6 million auto crashes each year

-Over 78% of all distracted drivers are distracted because they have been texting while driving.

Texting and driving: which states are the worst offenders?

It’s sometimes difficult to determine precisely which states are the worst offenders when it comes to texting and driving, but there is some information out there. One site compared their findings to data from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association and the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration and found that the worst states for texting and driving are the following: Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Idaho, North Dakota, New Mexico, Louisiana, Kentucky, Florida, and Arkansas. Whether or not your state is on the list, driving defensively is paramount if you want to stay safe on the roads. Defensive driving in Austin, Texas is just as important as it is in Newark, New Jersey.

Stopping the texting and driving epidemic

We live in a world where constant connection is not only possible, but seemingly even essential. Since we have the capability to respond immediately to every notification and message we receive, many of us believe a response absolutely cannot wait. While you may believe you are capable of checking your phone and sending a text message while driving, it only takes one mistake for an accident to drastically change your life and the life of others. So, what can you do to help stop the texting and driving epidemic?

-Hang up and drive. It’s just that simple. No text is more important than yours or someone else’s life.

-Bug your friends about it. If they text and drive, firmly invite them to stop.

-Turn your phone off. Sometimes that’s the only way to avoid the distraction.

Be a force for change

Now that you know a little bit more about the dangers of texting and driving, it’s time to do a few things. First, stop texting and driving. Just stop. It’s simply not worth it. Next, encourage others to stop. Be a little bit forceful if you need to. No one wants to be a victim of an accident, and causing one can be even more psychologically damaging, especially if there are fatalities. Stop texting and driving. Start now. Be a force for change.