Dangers of Texting and Driving

On average, 1.25
million people die annually from car accidents. Losing control of a
2,000+ pound, piece of machinery can end people’s lives in an
instant but how many of these accidents are preventable? 1 out of 4
car accidents are caused due to the use of a cell phone while
driving. Driving is not easy. One must constantly check their
surroundings and be aware at all times. Accidents happen without the
implementation of cell phones, so adding them into the mix will only
increase one’s likelihood to get into an accident.

Cell phone usage is
the number one cause of distracted driving. With social media and
technology becoming ever apparent in today’s society, it often
times becomes harder and harder to ignore. The sound of a social
media notification will cause teen’s heart rate to increase,
wondering if their latest crush texted them. If you take your eyes
off of the road for only a second, an accident can occur. Many wonder
if one can actually become addicted to a cell phone. In fact, when
looking at the characteristics of someone who is addicted to gambling
and someone who is addicted to their cell phone, they are strikingly
similar.

Teenagers are
relying on the use of their cellphone for driving related issues like
navigation. Even the use of a navigation app can cause accidents, if
it demands your attention. Social media applications are even being
used in school now. School-goers can follow their principal on social
media to get the latest updates on what is happening. Social media is
everywhere so finding a way to ignore it is increasingly difficult.

One way to do this,
is actually by downloading safe-driving applications. These
applications will shut down the ability to use one’s phone if they
are going over ten miles per hour. This will save lives, no matter
how tempting it may be, it will not allow you to have any screen
time. Another way to implement safe driving is by placing your phone
in a purse or backpack and placing that bag on your driver’s side
backseat. This will make using the phone impossible, because it is
virtually impossible to access the phone. You can also ask your
passenger, if one is available, to answer any “important” or
“urgent” messages, although all of it can wait until you have
arrived at your destination. There will be no texts to respond to if
you die.

Finding ways to
reduce dangerous driving habits is very important to ensure safety
for everyone in the community. Distracted driving affects everyone.
There are many people who die, every year, due to the decision that
someone else makes to be on their phone while they are driving. If
you make the decision to participate in any version of distracted
driving, and you kill someone in a car accident, you will be charged
with vehicular manslaughter and that will result in imprisonment for
three to five years. It is a choice that we are faced with everyday
while driving and it is important that in order to be a responsible
driver, you must make the right one.