What Parents Should Know About Their Teen Texting and Driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that distracted driving leads to approximately 3,000 fatal car crashes each year in the United States. Out of all the different types of distractions, texting while driving stands out as the most common and dangerous. The Law Office of Brian Brunson has put together the following information all parents should share with their teenage drivers.
How Texting and Driving Leads to Fatalities
In 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 14% of deadly car accidents were linked to distracted driving, particularly due to cell phone use. These numbers are alarming, yet they aren’t surprising. It’s crucial to understand that when we engage with our phones while driving, we take our focus away from the road. For instance, typing out a text can take about 5 seconds. At a speed of 55 miles per hour, a driver could travel the length of a football field in that time without looking where they’re going. This really emphasizes the serious dangers and risks that come with using handheld phones while driving.
When you take your eyes off the road to send a text, you’re not just losing focus but also taking one hand off the steering wheel. This makes it really hard to stay alert and respond quickly to what’s happening around you. For instance, if another driver unexpectedly swerves into your lane, you won’t be able to steer away as fast because you’re only using one hand to control the car.
Texting while driving can really take your focus away from the road. Even if some people don’t see a wandering mind as a distraction, it can seriously affect how well you pay attention while driving. This distraction can make it harder to react quickly to things happening around you, which increases the chances of getting into an accident.
Types of Distractions
Texting while driving is really dangerous and fits into all three types of distracted driving that the CDC talks about. Because of this, doing it can result in serious outcomes.
- Visual distractions are things that make you look away from the road.
- Manual distractions are things that make you take your hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive distractions are things that make you stop paying attention to driving.
Tips for Adult and Teenage Drivers
Distracted driving has been a significant problem in the United States for many years. If every driver chooses to stay focused and not engage in distractions while behind the wheel, it could greatly improve road safety for everyone. Therefore, it’s important for all of us to contribute to this effort. Here are some helpful suggestions to prevent texting while driving.
- Before you start driving, it’s important to silence your phone to avoid distractions.
- You might want to keep your phone in a place that’s hard to reach, such as a bag in the backseat or the glove compartment.
- Consider turning on driving mode or using an app designed for safe driving that prevents notifications from coming through while you’re on the road.
- If there’s an urgent need to send a text, make sure to pull over to a safe location first.
- Always prioritize safety when it comes to using your phone while driving.
If you’ve been in an accident due to a distracted driver, contact us today for a free consultation.
Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.
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