The Hazards of Texting and Driving

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These days we are up against many factors on the road such us drunk drivers, and the more recent problem is the texting drivers particularly those who are always on their phones. The National Safety Council reported that texting while driving results to an astonishing 1.6 million collisions yearly. This is something that we should be aware of.

Let us talk about what is more hazardous on the road. Is it the texting drivers or the drunk drivers? How do you protect yourselves from drivers like those?

Texting while Driving Statistics

This menace is not dangerous to just one group, but of all age groups especially the teenagers.

woman in red long sleeve shirt holding black smartphone

Highway Deaths

There were 37,461 deaths on U.S. roads in 2016 alone. This shows an increase from the numbers of people killed in 2015.

Distracted Driving:

  • 10% deadly collisions and 15% of injury accidents in 2015 are all due to distracted driving. This is according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
  • Distracted driving accidents were not reported fully and the National Safety Council gave a calculation that cellphone related collisions are at least 27% in 2015.
  • Distracted driving likewise was responsible for the 3,477 deaths and an estimation of 391,000 injured.
  • The disastrous collision rate involving teenagers is 3 times higher compared to drivers, who are 20 years old and above.
  • Distracted driving is accountable for over 58% of teen accidents.

What is more hazardous, texting while driving or drinking and driving?

When a driver is drunk, he is more hostile and combative in following other vehicles which is too close for comfort. Alcohol could definitely cause sluggish respond in stepping on the brakes or adapting to other vehicles.

The thing is that the disability while using the cell phone are just like drunk drivers. This was reported in a research done by the University of Utah. It says, that drivers who talked on the phone whether it is hands-free or handheld drives a little bit sluggish. 9% of them step on the brakes too late, and showed 24% difference in following distance between vehicles because their attention is divided, and finally, 19% slowdown to go back to its normal speed after they stepped on the brake and chances are, the car will crash.

A handful of researchers say that texting is hazardous than talking on the phone. But whatever is more dangerous, the fact remains that people should not be using their cell phones while driving, period.

Take a look at the data:

  • In 2016 people who were killed due to alcohol is 10,497.
  • In the same year, distracted driving killed were 3,450.

This shows us that drunk driving has killed more people in comparison to distracted driving. The National Communications System does not agree saying that the later was under reported and the deaths pertaining to distracted driving may be much higher than what the data says.

So how can we all protect ourselves?

Here are some ways:

  • Schedule early and do not depend on the GPS, which could also be a distraction.
  • Do not drink and do not use your phone. Turn it off!
  • If it is imperative to answer your phone, asked the person with you to do the texting.

Be responsible and show good example to your children and the people around you. Who knows, it could save lives. This is a friendly reminder from Chaney’s Collision Center.

If you ever need a reliable auto shop, Chaney’s Collision Center can handle any damages caused by a collision. Chaney’s Collision Center has been serving the folks of Phoenix, Arizona since 1977. If you are in Glendale, Surprise, and other nearby areas, call Chaney’s Collision Center at (623) 915-2886.