Important Facts About Texting and Driving
7 Facts About Texting and Driving You Need to Know
You’ve probably seen it all-too-frequently, even in your own neighborhood: you stop at a light or pass someone on the highway and catch a glimpse of the driver next to you who is…staring down at their phone. It’s never a good look. People wrongly think that looking away for just a quick second to read or send a message is harmless — after all, it’s only a few seconds! Well, a lot can happen in those few seconds, so hopefully these essential facts about texting and driving will show you just how dangerous it is. You are not “better” at “getting away with it” than other, less fortunate drivers. After all, there’s a good reason why 43 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam and the US Virgin Islands have all outlawed it.
- On average, 15.2 million text messages are sent per minute, worldwide.
- A survey in 2019 suggested that 36% of respondents age 18-24 admit to having texting while driving — 51% of those said they were very familiar with their state’s texting and driving laws.
- Reading a text distracts the driver for 4-5 seconds, on average. If traveling at 55mph, this means the driver travels the length of a football field while looking away from the road. Even at average neighborhood speeds of 25mph, it is more than enough time to drive up somebody’s lawn or miss a spontaneous obstacle in the road.
- Eighteen percent of fatal crashes involve texting and driving.
- Around 9 people are killed and over 1,000 are injured on a daily basis in the US because of a distracted driver, according to the CDC.
- Teenagers were the largest age group to be reported as distracted in a recent survey by the US Department of Transportation.
- Nine in 10 teens expect a reply to a text within 5 minutes or less. In many cases, this makes them feel obligated to read and answer messages immediately, even while driving.
The Hard Facts About Texting and Driving
When you text and drive, you’re not just taking your own life into your hands, but also the lives of those around you. You are unfairly putting people at risk because you think your conversation can’t be put on hold for just a few minutes. There is plenty of time to text, tweet and send memes to friends during the hours of the day you are NOT behind the wheel.
Frequently asked questions
How many crashes per year involve cell phone use?
The National Safety Council estimates roughly 1.6 million crashes per year in the U.S. involve cell-phone use. NHTSA data attributes 8 percent of fatal crashes, 14 percent of injury crashes, and 13 percent of property-damage crashes to distraction.
Is texting while driving illegal in Illinois?
Yes. Using any handheld device while driving has been illegal in Illinois since 2014. The fine is $75 for a first offense and $150 thereafter. Drivers under 19 may not use a phone at all (including hands-free) except in emergencies. Three convictions within 12 months is grounds for license suspension.
Is texting while driving illegal in Ohio?
Yes. As of April 2023, using a handheld device while driving in Ohio is a primary offense, with fines escalating from $150 (first) to $500 (third within 2 years). Drivers under 18 are completely prohibited from any electronic-device use while driving, hands-free included.
How long do you take your eyes off the road when texting?
Texting at 55 mph means taking your eyes off the road for the average length of a football field — a 5-second glance covers 120 yards. The resulting crashes are typically rear-end strikes or lane-departure incidents.
What's the best habit to avoid phone distraction?
Phone goes in the glovebox or center console — out of sight, out of reach. Notifications you can see (even with the screen face-down) measurably increase reaction time. The cleanest solution is removing the option, not relying on willpower.
