All forms of distracted driving are dangerous, but texting and driving may be the most deadly. Unfortunately, Texas is one of the few states that has not banned this practice despite the statistics on how unsafe it is. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting while driving is more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. A Huffington Post article relied on statistics from sources such as the National Safety Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to show the dangers of this practice:
- There is a 40% probability that a crash will involve using a cellphone.
- 33 percent of drivers between 18 to 64 text or read texts while driving.
- 341,000 crashes in 2013 involved texting and driving.
- A person has a four times higher risk of causing a crash while using a cellphone.
Three Ways to Prevent Texting Wrecks
You can help prevent your family members—especially your teenage drivers—from being involved in texting and driving wrecks. You should take the following steps:
Be a good example.
Teaching by example is a powerful way to prevent your kids from texting and driving. Do not engage in this practice, or pull over if you must text while behind the wheel.
Have a no text and drive rule.
Tell your teen drivers that they cannot text while driving and educate them as to the dangers of this. It is also important not to let them be passengers with friends who engage in this unsafe practice.
Become better informed.
Read articles about the dangers of texting and driving to become better educated. Then share this information with your family, friends, and your children’s schools.
Even if you and your family take a pledge not to text and drive, you will unfortunately be surrounded by other drivers engaging in this unsafe practice.
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Car Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Texas car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.