Safe Alternatives to Texting While Driving.
Texting and driving is a relatively new issue facing today's youngest drivers. Studies have shown that while drivers of every age engage in texting while behind the wheel, teenagers and adults younger than 25 do it most frequently. This is, and should be, a concern for many parents who already have a number of things to worry about as their children learn to become safe drivers. Even though ten states have already banned using cell phones while behind the wheel of a vehicle, accidents caused be distracted drivers using cell phones continue to remain a major problem on the roads of the United States.
Texting and Driving Statistics
Around 1,153 people are injured each day in the United States by drivers who are using cell phones behind the wheel. An additional nine deaths are reported each day, caused by drivers reading or writing text messages, answering phone calls, checking directions, or changing music on a cell phone. With all this destruction, it is no surprise that ten states and Washington D.C. have banned using cell phones behind the wheel outright, while an additional 28 states have banned texting while driving. However, not all drivers follow these new laws, which is why safety measures are important for drivers of all ages, but especially young motorists who are most likely to text and drive. Take a look at the following infographic that illustrates these dangers:
Safety Measures That Work
Some drivers think that they are safe as long as they hold the phone in view of the road or wait for a stop light before sending a text, but these safety measures rarely do much to increase driver awareness of the the road. There are a number of safety measures in place to help young drivers who may be tempted to text while behind the wheel, as well as concerned parents. Foremost among these are cell phone apps that provide various solutions to checking the phone while driving. Some of these apps read texts aloud and use speech recognition technology to respond to messages in a hands-free manner, while others are able to recognize when a vehicle is in motion and completely lock the cell phone or other device when the car or truck is moving. Additionally, small cameras that monitor the driver of a vehicle while it is in operation are available to parents who want to make sure that their young drivers do not text or engage in other risky behaviors.
Texting while driving may be a tempting prospect, but the next time the opportunity presents itself, remember how risky a practice it really is before you diced whether it is worth it.