Texting while Driving Facts

The use of mobile phone has certainly enabled us to keep in touch with our dear ones, no matter where we are. However, using mobiles phones while driving can lead to dangerous or fatal results on the road. As the trend of texting has gone beyond bounds, there are many youngsters and teenagers who are found texting while driving. One of the most prominent facts is that this activity takes away a major part of the driver's attention from what he is supposed to do primarily.

Texting while driving largely contributes to distracted driving which consists of three main things which can be really dangerous. The first thing is that it takes the driver's eyes off the road to the mobile phone. Secondly, you may tend to leave the steering wheel all by itself, thinking that the car would be steady. And the third and most important fact is that it takes the driver's mind away from his primary task of driving with total concentration. The problem came into the spotlight after some major fatal accidents were publicized by the media.

Texting while Driving Facts and Statistics

• According to a study conducted, teenagers and youngsters are more susceptible to car crashes and fatal road accidents.
• If you are writing or reading text messages, your reaction time in case of emergency reduces by approximately 35%.
• One of the most surprising facts is that this activity is more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana.
• SMSing while driving contributes to a rise in the possibilities of accidents by about 23 times.
• As per a research, it has been concluded that texting is more dangerous than actually talking on the phone.
• Considering the distraction of the driver, this activity keeps the driver involved in texting for around five seconds, which on a highway means a hundred yards.
• While texting and driving, the crash can take place in just about 2-3 seconds, with the driver's reaction time being reduced substantially.
• Texting while driving has been related to several major automobile accidents; two of which are of Heather Leigh Hurd on January 3, 2008 and of Danny Oates on August 29, 2007.
• Around 50% of teenagers agree to the fact that they do text while driving.
• About 21 states in the USA have banned this risky activity, whereas other states have certain laws according to the type of drivers.
• The National Safety Council has come to a conclusion that around 28% of car crashes or 1.6 million accidents per year happen because of the driver SMSing while at the wheel.

A majority of car and truck drivers consider texting while driving dangerous and extremely fatal. Most of the accidents that take place because of texting and driving involve teenagers and those in their twenties. If you anyway want to send or are expecting an important text message while being behind the wheel, it is recommended to take the car to the road side. Remember that distractions while driving might require to pay a road safety violation fine or even cost you your life. The dangers of texting while driving are being faced by governments all over the world, which is why they are imposing strict guidelines regarding the same.