Driving requires a lot of concentration. You have to be aware of your surroundings and be aware of what other drivers are doing. You have to give driving your full attention, so you can react quickly when something happens while you are on the road. With the advancement of technology, texting has become a popular means of communication. However, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t text and drive.
Your hands aren’t on the wheel
When you are texting and driving, many times you will text with one hand. Some drivers may even steer with their knees while driving. This greatly reduces the driver’s ability to react. Normally, they may be able to maneuver and avoid an accident, but since they don’t have both hands free, they are unable to avoid the accident.
You can’t read and drive at the same time
You wouldn’t read a magazine and drive at the same time. Dividing your attention while driving is unwise. You greatly reduce your reaction time, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Your eyes are on your screen instead of on the road
This makes it nearly impossible to see an accident coming. Other drivers may change lanes with you in their blind spot, or a vehicle may pull out from a side street or driveway unexpectedly. According to the CDC, “When you send or read a text message, you take your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds, long enough to cover the length a football field while driving at 55 mph.” Instead of being able to swerve and avoid them, you would end up slamming directly into them. If your eyes are always on the road, you can see things as they happen and anticipate them. You are able to react and avoid those types of accidents.
It is now against the law
48 states have banned texting and driving, due to the dangers it causes. However, some states have primary and secondary enforcement. Primary enforcement means an officer can stop a driver just for texting while driving. Secondary enforcement means they have to be texting and doing something else such as speeding or running a stop sign while also texting.
It can ruin someone’s life, including your own
It is one thing to be involved in a car accident that is truly an accident. However, to cause a car accident from texting and driving is irresponsible. You or the other driver can be severely injured. There is also the possibility of becoming permanently disabled. No text message is important enough to risk injury, disability, or possibly even death.
It can save lives
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 10 percent of all fatal crashes in the United States are caused by texting and driving. In the long run, a text message is not worth a human life. In reality, it can wait until you are in a safe place to send your message.
Texting and Driving Alternatives
The truth is, you don’t have to manually text message, anyone, these days. Vehicles are becoming more and more interwoven with technology. Here are some tips to avoid texting and driving:
- Send your text messages before you start driving.
- Put away your phone to avoid the temptation to use it while driving.
- Turn your phone off or use an app to disable the ability to text while driving.
- Avoid texting again before you reach your destination.
- If you have to communicate, call the person, using your speakerphone ability.
- If you have Bluetooth in your vehicle, you can use hands-free calling.
- Have Siri read your text messages to you
- Have Siri send a text message for you.
Have you been involved in a car accident?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident because someone else was texting and driving, you are entitled to compensation. If you’ve been seriously injured, or suffered loss, such as lost wages, medical bills, or any other pain and suffering, we can help you recover those damages. We can evaluate your case for free. Schedule a free consultation via our online car accident form, or call us directly at (865) 888-8888 to speak to one of hour helpful team members.
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