Texting and Driving Statistics and Prevention
As far as distracted driving is concerned, there is currently no greater culprit than texting and driving. Despite the fact that 47 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all have laws banning texting while operating a motor vehicle, 43 percent of teens still choose to text while driving.
Our modern culture demands constant connection, putting stress on all of us to immediately respond to communications even when it is not safe to do so. This has led to the frightening scenario where most adults understand and agree that texting while driving is dangerous, but choose to do so regardless.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by texting and driving or any other negligent or reckless behavior, call our office today for a free and confidential consultation with a member of our experienced legal team.
Texting and Driving Statistics in Passaic County, NJ
According to DoSomething.org, a non-profit organization aimed at people who are trying to make a positive impact in the world, here are some sobering statistics for texting and driving:
- Texting while driving can increase the chances of a motor vehicle accident by 23 times
- 40 percent of teenagers report having been in a car while the driver was using a cell phone
- Sending or reading a text message takes about five (5) seconds on average. At 55 miles per hour, vehicles will have travelled 403 feet during that time, greater than the length of a football field
- 19 percent of all drivers say they use their phones to browse the internet while driving
- Teenagers who text and drive can spend up to 10 percent of their time on the road outside their assigned lane
Wayne Distracted Driving Accident Injury Attorneys Discuss Texting & Driving Prevention
Now that we understand how prevalent and dangerous driving while texting can be, what are some viable options that we can use to prevent the unnecessary risks?
Take the pledge – there are many organizations which offer a “pledge” to not text and drive, including the It Can Wait initiative. This can be particularly beneficial if you are a parent or caretaker of a young driver and would like to lead by example.
Reduce the temptation to text and drive – tying into the idea that we should be constantly connected, many of us see or hear the notification of a text message and feel compelled to immediately look and/or respond. The best way to prevent this urge is to either turn off your mobile device or silence notifications. In this way, you can not be distracted by your phone until you are no longer operating your vehicle.
Using Apps or other technology to block texts – there are many preventative apps which either prevent text notifications when driving, will play audio of inbound text messages, and even those for parents of teenage drivers. It is also possible to simply set your phone to “do not disturb” while driving.
Remind yourself of the risks – the next time your phone is buzzing while you are sitting in traffic, use the rational portion of your brain that knows texting and driving simply isn’t worth it. That text or email can wait.
Contact our Clifton Texting While Driving Accident Injury Attorneys Today
The personal injury lawyers of Fredson & Statmore have over 50 years of combined experience serving clients in our local New Jersey communities including Wayne, Clifton, Paterson, Little Falls, Woodland Park, West Milford and the greater Passaic County area. We understand the urge to be constantly connected to the outside world, but believe that our towns will be safer for everyone if we can all agree to put away our cell phones.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident, or any other type of accident involving texting while driving, contact our firm online. A member of our legal team will be standing by to discuss your accident, your injuries, and your potential personal injury claim in a free and confidential consultation.
