From One Text to a Deadly Pileup: Why Phone Use During Driving Is Becoming Illegal

Even the smallest distraction can cause an accident when you are behind the wheel, from a simple collision to tragedies with multiple victims. The probability of having an accident is high if your eyes and mind are elsewhere. Changing the radio station, arguing with a passenger or trying to chase a fly are all potentially disastrous moments of “going blindfolded.” But what takes the cake in this category is texting.

Texting while driving became so frequent and easily occurring that it is one of the leading causes of accident-related distractions. Unfortunately, it can have devastating results.

On August 10, 2010, a teen in his pick-up truck caused a terrible accident in Missouri because he was texting while driving. His lack of attention led to a collision between his pick-up truck, another truck and two school buses, causing his and another teenager’ death and injuring 38 other people.

This terrible accident is just an example of how things can go very wrong during those seconds of typing your replies on messenger while you're driving.

The Epidemic of Texting while Driving

A survey led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that a concerningly large percentage of the interviewed drivers admitted to texting while driving. Those aged 21-24 represent over half of the drivers that admitted to this dangerous habit.

An issue that was probably underestimated in the era of the first cell phones, texting while driving is being banned in more and more states nowadays.

According to Andrew Edgar Law, the road accident laws related to cell phone use vary from one state to another, but they are increasingly more targeted at discouraging any device use while driving. While some states only ban texting or handheld devices, others have extended their ban to voice calling too. Studies show that a voice call on a hands-free device can be just as distracting as a regular call.

Another phenomenon that seems to become more and more common is transmitting live videos while driving, as most social media apps allow you to post this kind of content quickly.

Although people seem aware of the risks associated with texting and driving, they still keep doing it, probably considering that it cannot happen to them and that they are being extra careful. Most are saying to themselves that they are only looking at the phone for a second. Any experienced driver knows that it's all it takes for you to lose control over your car or miss important information about the traffic.

Cell phone use, when combined with other risk factors, such as beginner drivers, teenage drivers, harsh road conditions, rainy or snowy weather significantly increase the risk of accidents.

Texting while driving was not researched as much as voice and video calling, but all data suggests that it increases the risk of accidents. Both receiving messages and sending them are taking away from the driver's eyes and mind from the road, preventing them from seeing road signs, traffic lights, crossing pedestrians, other cars, etc.

How about Voice Commands?

In an attempt to speculate the law and people's addictive behaviors towards cell phone use, some companies are selling devices that use voice commands to help you send text messages. While this might have come from well-intentioned vendors trying to solve the texting problems, it doesn't help so much.

Cross-studies showed that handheld devices are just as dangerous when driving because the actual distraction comes mostly from engaging your mind into having a conversation, and not in using your hands and fingers to text.

If you are interested in the how permissive the law is with mobile device use, make sure to check the laws in your jurisdiction, as they can vary from a lot from one state to another. Better yet, it would be safer for you and other participants to traffic if you'd postpone that phone call or text reply until you can stop the car in a safe place. Remember, no text or phone call is more important than your life.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.