We’ve all heard it before: don’t text and drive. But people say it over and over again because it’s so important (and oftentimes ignored). People continue to text and drive despite the serious, and often harmful, consequences.
This post will cover the dangers of texting while driving and give you some reasons why you should avoid it at all costs.
Texting While Driving Statistics
Numbers don’t lie. And these statistics about the scary results of texting while driving paint a very vivid picture of just how dangerous it can be:
- 46% of teens have admitted to texting while driving.
- Texting while driving makes someone 23 times more likely to get into a crash.
- In 2017, over 400 deaths were linked directly to texting while driving. Distracted driving was linked to over 2,000 deaths.
- 94% of people support a ban on texting while driving.
- 20% of crashes in which a driver was distracted involved pedestrians, bikers, or others who were not driving a car.
- ¼ of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes were young adults between the ages of 20–29.
6 Reasons Why You Should Not Text and Drive
It’s illegal.
In most states, it’s illegal to text and drive. That includes Arizona. In the beginning of 2021, theArizona hands-free law went into effect. The law bans all texting and driving, hitting those who break it with fines up to $250. Not only that, but if you hurt someone, you could also be facing jail time.
Your insurance will go up.
Texting while driving makes a person much more likely to get into a crash. When car accidents happen, insurance rates tend to go up. So, not only could you have to pay an expensive fine, but you also might end up paying more each month for your insurance. Is one text really worth all of that?
You could get into a crash.
Getting into a crash can raise your insurance payments and do serious damage to your car. Paying to fix all of that damage (or even worse, for a new car) can add up fast.
It’s avoidable.
With today’s hands-free technology, texting while driving has become easily avoidable. Most people can send and read text messages without even looking at their phones. You can also call someone just by using your voice. Even if your car doesn’t have the latest technology, pulling over to send a text message or waiting until you get to your destination is also very easy.
You’re risking the safety of others.
Consider the number of innocent people who get killed or injured by a driver who was texting and driving. These injuries result in trauma for the victims and their families. Do you really want to be the person who causes that?
It sets a bad example.
If teens see their parents texting while driving, they’ll think that they can do it when they start driving, too. Young adults are some of the most vulnerable drivers when it comes to getting into accidents, and that danger is even greater if they’re texting. Set a good example for your teens by leaving your phone untouched when you drive.
Sign the Pledge to Stay Safe Today
At Drive Friendly AZ, our goal is to help Mesa, Gilbert, and East Valley drivers gain knowledge about safe driving behavior. If you’ve enjoyed reading about the dangers of texting while driving and want to commit to safe driving practices, sign our pledge today. You’ll be joining other people who want to drive friendly and arrive safely.
More reading to help you Drive Friendly and Arrive Safely on your next road trip:
Arriving Safely: Your Car Safety Checklist
The No-Zone: When Trucks Can’t See You
Obeying The Speed Limit (Slow Kills As Much As Fast Does)
5 Tips for Driving Defensively