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Texting: An increasing cause of traffic collisions

by | Jul 21, 2021 | Car Accidents

Texting is something that most people realize they should not do behind the wheel. Despite that, many people still use their phones while they’re supposed to be focused on driving.

This bad habit isn’t just dangerous for the person who’s driving, it’s dangerous for everyone on the road. Those who use a cellphone while driving are at a 23% increased risk of being involved in a collision. Texting, out of everything you could do on your phone, is the riskiest activity.

How many car crashes are caused by texting?

Texting is the cause of around 1.6 million collisions each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s not surprising when you realize that around 20% of all U.S. drivers have admitted to text messaging or sending emails while driving. On top of that, 6% of those people admitted to texting or emailing on the road at least sometimes, which means that they’re increasing their risk of a crash regularly.

Texting drivers are distracted and dangerous

Interestingly, in one survey asking about the dangers drivers face, 63% of 700 polled drivers admitted that they were more concerned about drivers distracted by cellphones than drunk drivers. It makes sense, since around 660,000 people, it’s estimated, are driving while using their phone at any one time in the United States.

What can you do if you want to avoid a crash with a texting driver?

To start with, look for the signs that a driver is distracted by texting. They may go in and out of their lane, slow down or speed up irregularly or be looking down when you pass them. If you notice a driver is not paying attention and is using their phone, you don’t need to confront them. Take down the license place number, pull over to a safe location and call the police. You may want to call 911 if the driver is putting people in danger with their actions, such as going in and out of the lane suddenly or nearly causing collisions on a highway.

Drivers know that texting is risky, but many of them do it anyway. If you’re hit and involved in a car accident, remember that you can hold them responsible for their actions.

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