Texting While Driving Becoming an Alarming Epidemic

Understanding The Risks of Texting and Driving

You’ve probably heard that texting while driving is unsafe, but it is essential to understand the extent of the problem. Texting while driving is only one way distracted driving has manifested itself as an epidemic on our roadways. It is becoming responsible for more and more collisions, injuries, and deaths each year. Read on to learn how texting and driving have become one of the top risk factors for motor vehicle crashes.

Texting and Driving Statistics in the U.S.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) survey, 660,000 drivers use their cell phones or other electronic devices while driving at any given daylight moment. Gathered statistics published by Carsurance.net report the following facts about texting and driving:

• Texting and driving cause 1.6 million car crashes every year in the U.S.
• In 2018, 4,637 people lost their lives in accidents related to cell phone use while driving.
• Every year, roughly 390,000 injuries occur in the U.S. due to texting and driving.
• Each day, 11 teens die in texting and driving crashes.
• Drivers between 25 and 39 years old text and drive the most.
• Using a cell phone while driving means spending 400% more time with your eyes off the road.

These statistics are alarming, and it is easy to see how big the problem is by looking at current news. For example, a New York limo driver was caught texting on his phone while driving a party bus down a New York highway, endangering his 45 passengers. Additionally, an Illinois high school student captured images of his bus driver texting while driving, causing her to swerve.

Safety Concerns and Combating the Problem

According to the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL), to address the problem, 24 states, including D.C. and U.S. territories, have bans on hand-held cell phone use while driving. 48 states, including D.C. and U.S. territories, have banned text messaging for all drivers.

Distracted driving presents a very real, unacceptable threat to property and human life. The NHTSA has made efforts to spread awareness and reduce the risks associated with distracted driving through its “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” campaign. The campaign’s objective is to remind drivers of the deadly risks and the legal consequences one may face when participating in distracted driving behaviors.

Dedicated Representation for Victims of Texting-Related Accidents

Serious injuries need strong attorneys. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a texting driver, we understand just how frustrating and difficult this time in your life can be. That is why we have dedicated ourselves to helping personal injury victims exercise their rights to claim compensation for their injuries. You should not have to pay the cost of another person’s negligent behavior.

Allow us to put our over 40 year legacy of success to work for you. For a free consultation, contact a Springfield personal injury lawyer at Strong Law, P.C. today to begin reviewing your case.