Compelling Reasons To Avoid Texting And Driving
A fundamental rule lies at the heart of driving safely: unwavering attention to the road ahead. It’s a universally acknowledged truth that texting while driving can unleash a cascade of catastrophic events—wreaking havoc in the form of harrowing accidents, grievous injuries, and tragic loss of lives. We’ve all encountered those disconcerting moments behind the wheel, encountering fellow drivers whose focus seems adrift. Imagine the vehicle just ahead, swaying unpredictably. Despite your persistent horn blasts, the driver remains unperturbed. Frustration builds until you manage to overtake, only to catch a glimpse of the culprit—engrossed in texting on their phone. Does this unsettling scenario sound familiar?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nine lives are lost daily due to crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted driving covers a lot—think scrolling through social media, munching on a snack, applying makeup, refereeing backseat battles, and even giving your GPS more attention than the road. However, texting seems to be among the worst of the long list of distractions. The latest stats suggest that if you’re texting while driving, you run a 23 times greater risk of crashing. If that’s not enough to convince you, here’s a list of reasons to kick that texting habit to the curb while you’re behind the wheel:
- Texting while driving is a punishable offense in New York State;