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The Dangers of Texting and Driving
Some say that driving while texting is worse than driving drunk. In fact, studies show that 97.5% of people cannot drive safely while using cell phones.
At the time of this article, 30 states, including DC and Guam ban text messaging while driving. Within the next few years, more and more states will enact laws banning “texting” and driving. Please view the chart at ghsa.org to view mobile phone restrictions while driving in your state. Chances are, there is some type of law against mobile phone use while driving in your state!
Not only is texting while driving against the law, it’s also very dangerous and it is a fast growing cause of many traffic accidents in the United States. From 2001 to 2007, around 16,000 people died from cell phone related traffic accidents. Authorities claim that increases in texting volumes have resulted in thousands of additional road fatalities in the United States.
As they say, it’s better to be safe than sorry. To prevent yourself from becoming a statistic in this unfortunate trend, you should strongly consider limiting cell phone use while driving. It would be most wise to completely stop using your cell phone behind the wheel; but in this age of technology, often times that is not possible. Below are some alternatives to texting and driving. You probably don’t need to text and much as you think you do!
Voice Recognition Software – There are many cell phones that come with voice recognition software so you can safely send text messages while driving without trying to look at that tiny cell phone screen!
Text Blocking Applications – Some new generation phones like the iPhone and the Droid have apps that will determine if you are in a moving vehicle. If you are, texts won’t be delivered until your vehicle comes to a stop.
Auto-responders – You can program your cellphone to send a response at any time you are not able to text back a reply. While driving, simply set up an auto responder saying “busy driving.. I’ll text you later”. Chances are your friends won’t even realize that it was an automated response!
Just Turn It Off – You can’t receive messages when your phone is off, right? I know this isn’t ideal, but it is the simplest and cheapest way to do things. When you turn your phone back on, all messages sent to you during the time your phone was off will be received.
The fact remains – you are much more accident prone while you are behind the wheel using a cell phone. Texting while driving can increasee your insurance premiums in many ways. If you get a ticket while driving, this stain will go on your record and you will most likely end up paying more for your insurance rates. If, god forbid, you are involved in an accident while texting, you will be at fault.
As mentioned before – it’s better to be safe than sorry. Practice safe driving and avoid cell phone use behind the wheel… you’ll be happy you did!