Even though April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the National Safety Council wants you to prioritize roadway safety and keep each other safe on the road all the time. In an era where smartphones are ubiquitous, the temptation to stay connected at all times is a challenge and for many of us the temptation even includes when we are driving. However, the consequences of texting and driving are far-reaching and can be devastating. Despite numerous campaigns and strict legislation aimed at curbing this dangerous behavior, the allure of sending a quick message or checking notifications while driving still remains a prevalent issue across our country.
The Physical Perils
When a driver’s attention is diverted from the road to their phone, the risk of accidents increases exponentially. Texting while driving impairs a person’s ability to react to changing road conditions which can result in delayed braking times and erratic driving. Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds which is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded when traveling at highway speeds. These few seconds of distraction are all it takes for a life-altering accident to occur.
The consequences of such accidents can be catastrophic, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately nine people die and more than 1,000 are injured every day in the United States due to crashes involving a distracted driver. These statistics underscore the urgent need to address the epidemic of texting and driving and its dire physical consequences.
The Emotional Toll
Beyond the physical harm inflicted by accidents, texting and driving can also exact a profound emotional toll on those affected. For victims and their families, the aftermath of a collision can be fraught with grief, trauma, and financial strain. Lives can be shattered in an instant, leaving behind a trail of heartache and despair.
Survivors of texting and driving crashes may grapple with lasting psychological scars including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. The emotional anguish experienced by these individuals extends far beyond the confines of the accident scene, and in some instance permeates every aspect of their lives. Meanwhile, families left to cope with the loss of loved ones are left grappling with an unimaginable void, forever altered by the senseless act of texting behind the wheel.
Moreover, the guilt and remorse experienced by drivers responsible for such tragedies can also be overwhelming. Knowing that their momentary lapse in judgment has irrevocably altered the course of someone else’s life can haunt them indefinitely and serve as a grim reminder of the consequences of their actions.
The Legal Ramifications
In response to the ongoing issue of texting and driving, lawmakers have made great strides in recent years to implement new laws to deter this dangerous behavior. Many states have enacted laws prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving, with violators facing hefty fines and potential license suspension. Additionally, drivers involved in accidents caused by texting may be held criminally liable for their actions, facing charges ranging from reckless endangerment to vehicular manslaughter. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), in forty-nine states, as well as Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands, texting while driving is illegal.
Beyond criminal repercussions, individuals found liable for texting-related accidents may also be subject to civil lawsuits seeking compensation for damages. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering endured by victims and their families. The financial burden stemming from legal proceedings and settlements can be substantial, further underscoring the high stakes involved in texting and driving.
Moreover, employers may be held accountable if their employees engage in texting while driving on the job, leading to costly litigation and reputational damage. Companies are increasingly implementing strict policies prohibiting mobile phone use while driving and providing education and training on the dangers of distracted driving to mitigate risk and safeguard their employees.
What Can You Do
The consequences of distracted driving can exact a toll on individuals, families, and society as a whole. As a society, we must confront this epidemic head-on, dispelling the myth that multitasking behind the wheel is harmless or inconsequential. Education, enforcement, and technological innovations such as driver-assistance systems and smartphone blocking apps are crucial tools in the fight against distracted driving. If you must use your phone, make sure you are using hands-free options and if you are looking for some great options, check out these phone holder options available at your local Bass Pro Shops.
Ultimately, the decision to prioritize safety over convenience rests with each one of us. By committing to keeping our eyes on the road and our hands on the wheel, we can prevent countless tragedies and ensure that our roads are safe for everyone! Stay safe out there and remember if it takes your mind off driving, it is a distraction and it CAN wait!
Read more articles by Stacie: Navigating the Digital Playground, Being Safe with Password Managers
