To put it simply, texting while driving is a bad decision that causes car accidents. There really is no two ways around it or arguing this point, and yet thousands of people continue to do this day in and day out. According to studies conducted by www.distraction.gov, 33% of drivers admitted to texting behind the wheel; this number is likely far less than the actual amount since surveyed individuals would be hesitant to admit to this dangerous and illegal act. Ohio legislators have pushed for tougher laws to penalize texting and driving but the difference needs to come at the base level, from drivers everywhere. Many people may willingly engage in texting and driving because they do not understand clearly how or why texting is so dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been studying the effects of texting as well, and some of their conclusions are eye-opening.
Why Texting and Driving is Hazardous
Based on the information the CDC gathered, at least 25% of automobile crashes are caused by someone distracted behind the wheel. At least 50% of those distractions were texting or using their smartphone for another reason. Once again, these numbers may be much less than actual amounts because people who cause car accidents can lie and say they had not been on their cellphones, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The behavior is so risky, the CDC concludes, because it engages a driver in three types of distractions all at once. It is a manual distraction that takes their hands off the steering wheel and gear shift; it is a visual distraction because it takes their eyes off the road and their rear view mirrors; and it is a cognitive distraction because they have to think about their phones, not about how they are controlling their car. Just one such distraction dramatically increases their chance of causing a traffic collision but all three together is close to a guarantee. Our Toledo personal injury attorneys at Williams DeClark Tuschman would like to take this time to ask you to please never text while driving. We all enjoy the use of our smartphones but we must all admit that there is a time and place to text, and that behind the wheel is not it. If you or a loved one have been hurt by a distracted driver, you can call us at 419-719-5195 or contact us online to request a free case evaluation.