The Dangers of Texting and Driving

Everyone knows that drinking and driving is a deadly activity, as well as a criminal one. What many people don’t realize, however, is that an even more serious problem is sweeping the nation. That problem is people who text and drive.

Texting and driving is extremely dangerous. In fact, it can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving. This problem has been around longer than you think, too. The Huffington Post reported that, in 2013, a whopping 341,000 accidents in the United States involved texting and driving. The texting and driving statistics have since increased, making texting and driving a very real and a very prevalent problem.

Huge Risks

Some people don’t think that the texting and driving dangers they hear about are that serious, but they are! In fact, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute recently reported that drivers who text and drive are 23% more likely to be involved in a car accident, potentially a fatal one, than those who don’t text and drive.

And, while other types of “distracted driving” are bad, texting and driving is typically the worst and the most likely to cause an accident. Obviously, the high risk factor associated with texting and driving makes this activity just plain not worth it.

An Illegal Activity

In addition to being incredibly dangerous and risky, texting and driving is illegal in the state of North Carolina. People who are found guilty of this crime can find themselves facing a ticket and a hefty fine.

Furthermore, people who are involved in texting and driving accidents and found to be at fault can be held liable for damages and injuries that their actions caused.

Stopping the Problem

Obviously, texting and driving is definitely not something you (or anyone!) should do.

If you have teens or young adults in your life, know that this group is the most likely to text and drive. For this reason, have a serious talk with your children or other young family members and friends about the dangers of texting and driving.

You may also want to invest in a hands-free device that will allow you to verbally manage texts while driving. There are even programs that will send an automatic text to others, letting them know you’re driving and cannot text back, when you receive texts while on the road.

Anything you can do to reduce the likelihood that you or someone you care about will text and drive is a positive step in the right direction!

And, remember, if your vehicle is ever damaged as a result of a texting and driving accident, USA Automotive has you covered in terms of repairs.