Texting and Driving Accidents

Having a smartphone has made it possible for us to keep in touch at all times, but there are certain situations when you should put down your phone. Driving while using a mobile device, whether to check a text message, an email, or make a phone call, can put one’s safety in danger and result in driving accidents. The statistics that show how dangerous it is to use a cell phone while driving are shocking. As many as 660,000 drivers are trying to access their phones without thinking about the risks of texting while driving at any given point of the day.

Things to remember

Of course, the most serious risks of texting while driving could result in death or serious injury to another person, but there are others as well. Before you think of picking up your phone while driving, here are some important things to keep in mind.

You’re undoubtedly breaking the law, as texting while driving is prohibited in most states. You could face a citation and a fine.
If you’re pulled over for texting or talking on the phone while driving, your insurance may go up.
Even if you don’t hurt anyone in the event of a texting-related collision, your vehicle may suffer significant damage. Repairing or purchasing a new vehicle after one has been totaled is an expensive proposition.

Types of Distracted Driving

Distractions include anything that diverts your attention from the task of driving. The risks of texting while driving keeps increasing with the number of distractions. As a driver, your safety is at risk while you’re distracted. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three types of distracted driving.

Visual distraction: Taking your eyes off the road

Manual distraction: Whenever your hands are not on the vehicle’s wheel.

Cognitive distractions: When you are not paying attention to the road because your mind is elsewhere. This impacts how quickly you can respond to changes in the environment. A good example of this is daydreaming, a form of cognitive distraction.

All three forms of distractions are at play in the case of texting while driving. At least one of the hands must be off the wheel when using a phone. When one’s eyes are glued to their phone, they are not paying attention to their surroundings. It’s impossible to concentrate solely on driving if one’s mind is wandering to the screen of a mobile device. Due to cell phone distractions, texting and driving pose a serious risk.

Who Is at the Most Risk?

People of all ages are in danger while engaging in risky behaviors such as texting and driving. However, certain age groups are more vulnerable. Those between the ages of 15 and 19 are the most vulnerable to the dangers of texting and driving, as cell phone distractions in driving pose the greatest risk to teenagers.

There is no doubt that the distraction rates from cell phone use are frightening, but hopefully, you’ll be able to make an informed selection when you’re out and about.

Texting and Driving Accidents | Attorney Javier Marcos

Attorney Javier Marcos is a texting and driving accidents lawyer in Houston who can help you with your case 24 hrs. Our primarily office is located in Houston. An accident can change your life in an instant. It is really important that you call the office as soon as the accident happens. Do not let time pass by and do not speak to the insurance company. Let us help you every step of the way.