How Many Car Accidents Are Caused By Texting?

Writing By /
Brenton Armour
UX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Brenton Armour, the visionary founder and lead attorney at InjuryLawsuitHelper, boasts an impressive 15-year track record in personal injury law. His remarkable expertise spans cases...Read more

In today’s fast-paced world, we are always on the go and constantly connected to our phones. While texting has become a convenient way to communicate, it has also become a major distraction behind the wheel. The question arises: how many car accidents are caused by texting?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving caused 2,841 deaths in the United States in 2018. Of those fatalities, nearly 8% were caused by drivers who were texting at the time of the accident. With statistics like these, it is clear that texting while driving is a dangerous behavior that needs to be addressed.

How Many Car Accidents Are Caused by Texting?

Texting while driving is a dangerous activity that can cause accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 2,841 lives in 2018. In the same year, 8% of fatal crashes involved distracted driving. However, it’s difficult to determine the exact number of car accidents caused by texting as not all drivers admit to it. But it’s safe to say that texting and driving is a significant contributor to car accidents.

How Many Car Accidents Are Caused by Texting?

How Many Car Accidents Are Caused by Texting?

Texting while driving is a major issue on the roads today. It is estimated that thousands of car accidents occur each year due to texting while driving. This dangerous behavior can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. In this article, we will explore the statistics behind texting and driving accidents and the impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

Texting and Driving Statistics

Texting while driving is a dangerous behavior that can have serious consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was a factor in 9% of fatal crashes in 2019. Of those distracted driving crashes, 9% involved the use of a cell phone.

A study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that texting while driving increases the risk of a car accident by up to 8 times. In addition, the study found that young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 are more likely to text while driving than any other age group.

Texting and Driving by the Numbers

Here are some statistics on texting and driving:

  • 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting while driving.
  • Texting while driving is 6 times more likely to cause a car accident than driving while intoxicated.
  • The average text message takes 5 seconds to read, during which time a car traveling at 55 mph can cover the length of a football field.
  • 11 teenagers die every day due to texting while driving.

The Impact of Texting and Driving Accidents

The impact of texting and driving accidents can be devastating. These accidents can result in serious injuries, such as brain damage, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis. They can also lead to fatalities, leaving families devastated and communities in mourning.

In addition to the physical toll of these accidents, there is also a financial impact. The cost of medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages can be staggering. According to the NHTSA, the economic cost of car accidents caused by distracted driving was $57 billion in 2010.

The Benefits of Not Texting and Driving

The benefits of not texting and driving are clear. By putting down your phone while driving, you are reducing your risk of being involved in a car accident. You are also helping to keep others on the road safe. In addition, you are setting a good example for others, especially younger drivers who may be more susceptible to texting and driving.

Texting and Driving vs. Other Distracted Driving Behaviors

While texting and driving is a major issue, it is not the only form of distracted driving. Other behaviors, such as eating, drinking, and using a GPS system, can also lead to car accidents. However, texting and driving is considered to be one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving due to the amount of time it takes for the driver to take their eyes off the road.

The Bottom Line

Texting while driving is a dangerous behavior that can have serious consequences. By putting down your phone while driving, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident. Remember, it only takes a few seconds of distraction to cause a lifetime of pain and regret. Stay safe on the roads and encourage others to do the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Texting while driving has become a major concern in recent years, as it distracts drivers from the road and increases the risk of accidents. Here are some frequently asked questions about how many car accidents are caused by texting.

What percentage of car accidents are caused by texting?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was the cause of 10% of fatal crashes and 15% of injury crashes in 2019. While texting is just one form of distraction, it is estimated that it plays a role in 25% of all car accidents in the United States.

This means that texting while driving is a serious problem, and drivers should always focus on the road to help prevent accidents.

How many people die from texting and driving accidents each year?

Texting and driving accidents are a leading cause of death on American roads. In 2019, it was reported that 3,142 people were killed in distracted driving accidents, which includes texting while driving.

This means that approximately 8 people die each day in the United States due to distracted driving, and many of these deaths could be prevented if drivers put their phones down and paid attention to the road.

What age group is most likely to text while driving?

Studies show that younger drivers are more likely to text while driving than older drivers. In fact, drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes, with 10% of all drivers in this age group involved in fatal crashes being distracted at the time of the accident.

This highlights the need for education and awareness campaigns targeted towards younger drivers to help reduce the incidence of texting while driving and prevent accidents.

Is texting while driving illegal?

Texting while driving is illegal in many states in the United States. As of 2021, 48 states, plus the District of Columbia, have banned texting while driving for all drivers. In addition, many states have banned the use of handheld devices while driving, to help reduce the incidence of distracted driving accidents.

Drivers who are caught texting while driving can face fines, points on their license, and even license suspension in some cases. It is important for drivers to be aware of the laws in their state and to always prioritize safety on the road.

What can be done to prevent texting and driving accidents?

Preventing texting and driving accidents requires a combination of education, awareness, and enforcement. Some strategies that have been successful include education campaigns targeted towards younger drivers, stricter laws and penalties for distracted driving, and the use of technology to help prevent distraction while driving.

Individuals can also take steps to prevent texting while driving, such as turning off notifications while driving, using apps that block incoming texts and calls, and designating a passenger to handle phone-related tasks while driving. By working together, we can help reduce the incidence of texting and driving accidents and make our roads safer for everyone.

In conclusion, texting while driving is a serious issue that is causing an increasing number of car accidents each year. The statistics are alarming, with studies showing that texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than driving under the influence of alcohol. This means that if you are driving and send or read a text message, you are putting yourself and others at risk.

But there is hope. Many states have implemented laws to curb texting while driving, and there are numerous campaigns and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. It is up to each individual driver to take responsibility and make the choice to put their phone away while behind the wheel.

Remember, driving is a privilege, not a right. By choosing to stay focused on the road, you can help reduce the number of accidents caused by texting and ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. Let’s all do our part to make the roads safer for everyone.

Brenton ArmourUX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Brenton Armour, the visionary founder and lead attorney at InjuryLawsuitHelper, boasts an impressive 15-year track record in personal injury law. His remarkable expertise spans cases from minor injuries to devastating accidents, earning him a sterling reputation as a trusted and passionate advocate for justice. Brenton's unwavering dedication to his clients has cemented his position as a sought-after personal injury attorney.

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