Drive Now, Text Later, Stop Texting While Driving!

It’s more than a safe bet that most people reading this are guilty of using their cell phone behind the wheel.  Whether answering or making calls, checking email, or texting someone – using a cell while driving has become way too common.
The fact of the matter is that using a phone while driving is wildly dangerous.  Some studies have even found that texting while driving is MORE dangerous than drunk driving.  National campaigns against texting while driving have risen exponentially and spurred hundreds of studies on the subject.  Some statistics from these studies found:

• Drivers who text are 23 times more likely to have an accident (Virginia Tech Driving Institute).
• For drivers 15-19 years old involved in fatal crashes, 21 percent of the distracted drivers were distracted by the use of cell phones (National Highway Traffic Safety Association).
• 20 percent of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving (National Highway Traffic Safety Association).

A common belief is that the majority of this cell phone use, especially texting, is being done by teenagers. A Pew Research Center study recently revealed 41 percent of adults text in the driver’s seat as opposed to 34 percent of teens.  Furthermore, they found that a shocking 75 percent of adults talk on their phone while driving.  Teens talk 52 percent of the time.
With the holiday travel season almost upon us, driving will only become more dangerous.  The urge to text while driving will only get worse as well.  Extended travel times, last minute grocery and present requests, family members asking for directions… The list goes on and on, but please make a pledge right now to STOP.
If you absolutely must use your phone, pull over and do it safely!  Driving is dangerous enough as it is.  There is no need to compound it. Give it your full attention!

Drive now, TXT L8R!

Not only is texting while driving incredibly dangerous, it may also lead to hefty fines. Did you know that over 100 cities in Texas have made texting and driving illegal?
Help us put an end to texting while driving. If you see a driver texting while you’re riding in the passenger seat, offer them a hand. If they don’t take you up on your offer, be more direct with them. Let them know that jeopardizing other people’s lives is not worth it. Let them know that it’s a crime to text & drive in Texas. Remind them that vehicular manslaughter is also very illegal. Let them know that you find their lack of safety to be personally disrespectful. Do whatever you have to do to get through to them that texting while driving is never okay.