You may have been in a situation where you’re driving and realize you haven’t replied to an urgent email or a text from your friend. In such situations, it might be tempting to spare a few seconds for a quick reply, but this is a bad idea. Even if you believe you’re ‘good’ at texting and driving, you should know that glancing at your phone behind wheels can lead to a serious accident. Read on to learn about the shortcomings of texting while driving in this guide.
It May Impact Your Auto Insurance Premium
Using tech gadgets, including cell phones, while driving can significantly impact your insurance premium. In many states, texting while driving is prohibited, and if you’re caught, you’ll receive a ticket that adds several points to your license. It is simply not worth the potential money you’ll pay, not to mention immense safety risks.
Remember that insurance companies consider distracted driving a risky behavior that’s highly likely to increase your chances of being involved in an accident. Since car crash compensation can be costly, many insurers will increase premiums for drivers who frequently rack up points from texting and driving. It’s just not worth it.
You’ll Put Your Passengers at Risk
It’s your responsibility as a driver to think about the well-being of your passengers while driving. One way to do this is to avoid using tech gadgets while behind the wheel. Undoubtedly, you’ll be tempted to listen to use your phone to change the music while in the car. In fact, according to a publication by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, there has been a 51% increase in mobile media time than desktop at 41% in America.
Even with the temptation to use your phone with an aux cord or Bluetooth, ensure that you refrain from doing so because it reduces your situational awareness, a major contributor to car crashes. You should also know that your passengers can sue you if they suffer severe injuries from an accident resulting from your negligence.
Your License May Be Suspended, or You’ll Go to Jail
Different states have put in place regulations that make driving while texting illegal. In many states, using your phone or other tech gadgets for anything other than hands-free voice talking and GPS applications is restricted. In about 24 states, it’s prohibited to have hand-held conversations while driving, and 48 states require drivers not to text behind the wheel.
Depending on your state, you’ll receive a citation, pay a fine, or even receive points on your driver’s license when found guilty of distracted driving. As a repeat offender, some states might revoke your driver’s license. In some jurisdictions, it’s classified as a criminal misdemeanor and attracts a jail term, particularly if caught near a school or work zone.
The Chances of Causing an Accident Are High
Distracted driving significantly reduces your reaction time. So, whenever something changes, and you need to act quickly, you’ll have a mental and visual lag that impacts your response time. For instance, when a motorcycle in front of you hits its brakes, you’re less likely to stop on time if you’re on the phone while driving.
According to data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, they recorded about 1,800 motorcycle crashes in 2018. The accidents resulted in the death of 88 people, with 1,500 riders and passengers sustaining severe injuries. In addition to the loss of life and injuries, distracted driving crashes may cause a car to catch fire.
This mainly occurs in serious accidents that sever cables, causing sparks that ignite fuel. Even when this occurs, you’re guaranteed a quick response from firefighters when you seek help. Statistics show that in the United States, fire departments respond to fire every 24 seconds.
Mobile phones and other tech gadgets offer many benefits in entertainment and communication. However, they also introduce hazards when used while driving. Now that you understand the consequences of texting and driving problems, you should avoid this vice. Check out our website for more informative content.
