Texting and Driving: 5 Sobering Stats to Make Your Think Twice
Approximately 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes.
The sad truth is, many of these accidents could have been prevented. Occurrences of distracted driving have seen a dramatic rise over the last couple of years. The majority of distracted driving incidents have to do with texting and driving.
Think you can’t be persuaded against text driving? Think again. Read on for five sobering facts about distracted driving to change your mind.
1. Six Times More Likely to Cause an Accident Than Driving Drunk
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that texting while driving leads to more than 1.6 million crashes each year.
This means that texting and driving are six times more likely to cause an accident than driving drunk. Texting while driving means you’re 6 times more likely to cause an accident than if you were driving while not distracted.
2. One in Four Car Accidents is Caused by Texting and Driving
It is estimated that one out of every four car accidents is caused by a driver who is texting. This is a sobering statistic that should make you think twice about texting and driving. It is a dangerous combination that can lead to serious road traffic accidents.
If you are texting and driving, you are putting yourself and others at risk. If you or someone you know gets involved in a car crash, you should find a truck accident lawyer. If you have been injured, seeking legal help could be the best move for you.
3. Increase Your Chance of Being Involved in a Car Accident by 23 Times
When you take your eyes off the road to read or send a text, you are increasing your chances of being in a car accident by 23 times.
Texting and driving are extremely dangerous and the statistics prove it. Even with the dangers of texting and driving well-known, people still continue to do it.
4. 16 Percent of All Fatal Car Accidents are Caused by Texting While Driving
Most fatal car accidents are caused by distracted driving, and texting while driving is the most common form of distraction. If you are texting and driving, you are also not able to control your car as well.
This can lead to accidents, especially if you are driving at high speeds.
5. Leading Cause of Death Among Teenagers
Over half of all teenage car accidents are caused by texting while driving, and it is the leading cause of death among teenagers.
Teens are the most at-risk group for distracted driving because they are most likely to be distracted by their phones. In a survey of teenage drivers, 70% said they had used their phones while driving.
Prevent Texting and Driving Today
Though most people think they can text and drive without issue, the statistics tell a different story. Texting and driving are dangerous and should be avoided.
If you must text or use your phone, pull over to a safe location first. Be a responsible driver and do not text and drive.
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