Ross Downing Chevrolet Blog!: Texting while driving more deadly than drinking & driving

Texting while driving more deadly than drinking & driving

Posted by Ross Downing Chevy Thursday, March 25, 2010

It is everywhere. People are talking about the consequences of texting and driving. Reminds me of the campaigns years ago against drinking and driving. Yes, they still exist today but not as in your face because I think people have gotten the message. Now, we are confronted with the issue of texting and driving. Except this time it may be more deadly!

Let's start with a few stats:

4 out of every 5 accidents (80%) are attributed to distracted drivers. In contrast, drunk drivers account for roughly 1 out of 3 (33%) of all accidents nationally.
Texting while driving is about 6 times more likely to result in an accident than driving while intoxicated.
People who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash.
61% of teens admit to driving distracted - using the cell phone or texting while driving
Texting takes a driver's focus away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds--enough time...to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph.
Talking on a cell phone while driving can make a young driver's reaction time as slow as that of a 70-year-old.

Graphic of reaction time to stop from Car & Driver

People are becoming outraged and joining into the movement. Many states like have either passed legislation to ban texting and driving or are in the process. Be it the nature of the statistics or the lost of a friend/loved one, people are joining in the movement!

What can you do?

Put the phone somewhere out of reach while driving and remove temptation by turning off the cell phone.
Lead by example by not texting while driving. If kids see their parents doing it, they assume they have permission.
Parking on the side of the road if a call or text is absolutely necessary. If on a major highway, get off at the next exit to ensure safety
Add the Cell Cease app to your phone. This app prevents phone use while driving. The app is activated by the speed at which they are traveling. It blocks incoming and outgoing calls and text messages.
Sign a pledge at Oprah's No Phone Zone. If you think you have the cell phone, texting and driving thing down...you do not. Sign our pledge to make your car a No Phone Zone and pass it on.
Join a Facebook Group and spread the word of your support for this cause.

Watch and share these videos - help save your life and many others!
Texting While Driving: How Dangerous is it? (Car & Driver road text comparing texting vs. drinking while driving.
Texting While Driving is Deadly!! (Prince William County PSA)
Prevention of Texting While Driving (PSA by MADD)
America's New Deadly Obsession (By Oprah)

FINAL NOTE: There is a very graphical and controversial British PSA on YouTube.com that we will not be linking to here. However, if you you have someone in your life who texts and drives you need to show them the video. Not appropriate for children. Suggested for driving aged and older.