According to Time, the average American checks their phone an average of 46 times per day. With the increasing use of smartphones, it’s an unfortunate fact that many people (adults and teens alike) use their mobile device while driving. Many drivers are under a false impression that they can text and navigate the roads without any consequences. This is simply not true. Texting and driving is now illegal in the majority of states and has been linked to being 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident.
While the state of Missouri has no law prohibiting the use of cell phones and driving, facts and statistics illustrate the negative repercussions that accompany texting and driving. Take a look:
- Approximately 9 people are killed and 1,161 injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.
- 40% of teens say they have been a passenger in a car with a driver using their smartphone.
- 77% of young adults are very confident in their ability to text and drive safely but teens who text spend approximately 10% of their driving time outside of their lane.
- 1 in 5 drivers confess to surfing the web while driving.
- 5 seconds is the minimal amount of time taken away from the road when you’re texting and driving.
- If you’re traveling at 55 mph, this equals driving the length of a football field without looking at the road.
For more facts and statistics on texting and mobile phone usage when driving, visit the following link: www.textinganddrivingsafety.com/texting-and-driving-stats
Many collisions and accidents are caused by distractibility. It is important to model good driving to children and teens, so that they take laws and warnings about cell phone usage while driving seriously. Emphasize at all times that road safety is the first priority when driving. Phone calls, texting, loud talking, and too much activity from other passengers in the vehicle can distract any driver.
The Morrissey Law Firm, PC, is located in Springfield, Missouri, and focuses in personal injury and wrongful death trial work. If you need a personal injury or wrongful death attorney, please visit our website or call (417) 887-0529 to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
http://www.textinganddrivingsafety.com/texting-and-driving-stats
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/dangers-texting-while-driving