Texting and Driving
When someone Texts and Drives...
They are four times more likely to cause an accident than when you are driving drunk or while talking on the phone.
People are 23 times more likely to crash while texting and driving.
They take their eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds, at 55 miles per hour that is equal to driving the length of a football field, blindfolded.
Response time diminishes greatly. The average time it takes a drunk driver to respond and push the breaks is 4 times more than average. The time it takes a texting driver is 40 more times longer than average.
They risk injuring/killing themselves and others. It results in car wrecks that kill an average of 11 teenagers a day.
Saftey Steps
Know and obey state cell phone driving laws; they are there for your protection.
Get in the habit of turning off your cell phone when you get into the car.
If you have to use your phone while driving, use a hands-free device that enables you to talk without holding the phone in your hand.
Ask a passenger to read and respond to your texts.
Says something if you are a passenger and the driver is being distracted.
Resources
1. It Can Wait (AT&T)
• Website: itcanwait.com
• Description: A powerful campaign by AT&T that provides videos, stories, and resources to raise awareness about the dangers of texting and driving.
2. End Distracted Driving (EndDD)
• Website: enddd.org
• Description: Offers educational resources, presentations, and materials aimed at reducing distracted driving, including texting and driving.
3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Website: nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
• Description: Provides statistics, research, and resources on distracted driving, including campaigns and tips for parents to talk to their kids.
4. Texting and Driving Prevention (Texting and Driving Foundation)
• Website: textinganddrivingprevention.org
• Description: A resource hub dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of texting and driving, with specific advice for parents and teens.
5. Teens Against Distracted Driving (TADD)
• Website: teensagainstdistracteddriving.com
• Description: Aims to educate teens about the dangers of distracted driving through pledges, educational resources, and awareness campaigns.
6. National Safety Council (NSC)
• Website: nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/distracted-driving
• Description: Provides information and resources on distracted driving, including tips and toolkits for parents to help educate their kids.
7. StopTextsStopWrecks (Ad Council & NHTSA)
• Website: stoptextsstopwrecks.org
• Description: A national campaign that offers resources, statistics, and videos to educate young drivers and parents about the dangers of texting and driving.
8. DoSomething.org: Texting While Driving Campaigns
• Website: dosomething.org/campaigns
• Description: Provides youth-focused campaigns and initiatives aimed at preventing texting and driving, encouraging teens to take action and spread awareness.
9. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
• Website: aaafoundation.org/distracted-driving/
• Description: Offers research, reports, and resources to help parents and teens understand the risks associated with distracted driving.
10. Project Yellow Light
• Website: projectyellowlight.com
• Description: A scholarship competition that encourages teens to create public service ads that raise awareness about the dangers of texting and driving.
11. Safe Kids Worldwide
• Website: safekids.org
• Description: Provides resources and tips to help parents talk to their teens about safe driving practices, including the dangers of texting and driving.
12. Impact Teen Drivers
• Website: impactteendrivers.org
• Description: Offers educational materials, including videos and guides, to help parents and educators teach teens about the dangers of distracted driving.
Texting and Driving at a glance
More than 4 out of 5 teens that drive admit to using their cell phone while driving. Research shows that hands-free cell phone use while driving is no less dangerous than using a hand-held phone. The's the conversation, not the device that is the distraction. Over half of all teen drivers admit to texting or emailing while driving. Teenage and young adult drivers are the age group most likely to send a text or read an email.