August 22nd, 2017 by Thomas J. Henry

What are the Consequences of Texting while Driving?

Close up view of a person operating a vehicle while using a phone

Texting and driving is illegal in 47 states, including Texas. Sending, receiving, and responding to text messages while operating a vehicle is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. Simply put: if you are texting, you are not looking at the roadway and focusing on the primary task at hand of driving.

The consequences of texting and driving, for any amount of time and at any speed, can be severe. Taking your eyes off the road puts your life in danger and the lives of passengers, other motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists in jeopardy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distraction-affected crashes involving mobile phone use lead to at least 476 fatalities and an estimated 30,000 injuries in 2015.

Why Distracted Driving is so Dangerous

When examining the unique results and dangerous effects of texting and driving, it is easy to understand why the majority of U.S. states have chosen to ban the practice outright. There are three main types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. Taking part in one of the three types of distraction puts yourself and others in a great amount of danger.

Texting and driving involves each of the three types of distractions — taking your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel of the vehicle, and your mind off the task of driving. Manipulating a phone while driving is a horrible combination that results in many auto accidents, injuries, and deaths each year in America.

Other Forms of Distracted Driving

There are many other kinds of distracted driving that can lead to the same catastrophic accidents and resulting injuries as texting and driving.

Changing the audio (radio, phone, or CD player)
Eating and drinking
Reading a map
Speaking with other passengers
Viewing a navigation system (dashboard GPS or on phone)

How Prevalent is Distracted Driving in the United States?

The following information regarding distracted driving is provided by NHTSA:

3,477 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2015
An estimated 391,000 people were injured in distraction-affected crashes
Distracted driving accounted for 10 percent of all motor vehicle traffic crash deaths
551 non-occupants, including pedestrians and bicyclists, lost their lives in distraction-affected motor vehicle crashes
Distraction-affected crashes accounted for 14 percent of all motor vehicle crashes in the United States

Hit by Someone Texting and Driving?

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle crash involving a driver that was texting while driving, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our firm has experience handling auto accidents caused by distracted drivers and a proven record of winning these types of cases for severely injured clients. Our attorneys can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical costs and lost wages if an individual or a company driver caused your injury by partaking in such a reckless and dangerous activity. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call today for a free case review.