It's no secret that texting and driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do while driving on the roads. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day, about 8 people in the US are killed as a result of distracted driving. Although you may think "it's only for a second", the truth is, that split second you are looking away from the road can be the difference between life and death. Losing your life isn't the only risk you take when texting while driving. Other factors come into play, these include:

• Increase in insurance. If ticketed for texting and driving, your insurance rates could increase drastically.
• Damages to your car. While you may avoid an accident with another vehicle, you still risk severely damaging your car. Once a vehicle is totaled, it can be costly to repair or even replace.
• Breaking the law. Texting and driving is illegal in most states. Failure to adhere could result in fines or being ticketed.

Types of Distracted Driving

Anything that requires your attention to be off the road is considered a form of distracted driving. This could be anything from sending a text message to adjusting your navigation system. Although cognitive impairments are the most common form of distracted driving, texting while behind the wheel is the most dangerous because it falls in all three categories.

• Visual distraction. Taking your eyes off the road.
• Manual distraction. Removing your hand from the wheel to eat, adjusting volume, grabbing something, etc.
• Cognitive distraction. Getting lost in your thoughts while driving.

Ways to Avoid Texting and Driving

Regardless of who is doing it, texting and driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do behind the wheel. To help break these habits, here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you consider using your cellphone when driving.

1. Keep your phone out of sight – It may be beneficial to put your phone in your purse or in the backseat. Keeping it out of reach will significantly decrease the chances of texting.
2. Put your phone on silent – Keeping your notifications on silent can also help avoid using your phone when driving.
3. Use safety apps – Many apps help prevent texting while driving that you can download on your phone. They usually send texts to anyone who contacts you, letting them know you are driving and cannot talk at the moment.
4. Smart driving technologies are created to notify you when you start to become distracted. SMARTwheel is a common example. This technology is designed as a steering wheel cover, it uses its sensing and gesture recognition tool to alert drivers of common distracted driving behaviors.

Contact an Attorney

Despite knowing the consequences of texting and driving, it is still the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents today. Even with laws set in place, these behaviors continue to injure distracted drivers every day severely. If you or someone you know is a victim of a texting and driving-related accident, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to find out more details on your case. You may be entitled to financial compensation.

Our top-of-the-line car accident lawyers at Veritas are here to protect your rights. With more than 60 years of combined experience, we have what it takes to fight your case. Let us be your voice and pursue the compensation you need and deserve.

Call our firm at (970) 292-7171 today to schedule your free consultation.