Do You Text and Drive? Watch This…

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As a local towing company in Belleville, IL, we’re all too aware of the deadly consequences of distracted driving – most often texting and driving. In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with information and distractions, even when we are operating vehicles at high rates of speed as we sit behind the wheel. Distracted driving has emerged as a grave threat to road safety, causing an alarming number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Paule Towing is committed to promoting road safety and raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. In this article, we’ll explore the statistics related to distracted driving and shed light on the severity of this issue in our community.

The Definition of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. These distractions can be visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the steering wheel), or cognitive (taking your mind off driving). Common examples include texting or using a smartphone, adjusting the radio, eating, grooming, or interacting with passengers while driving.

The Alarming Statistics about Texting and Driving

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data reveals that distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in the United States in 2019 alone, accounting for 8.7% of all traffic fatalities.
2. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately nine people are killed, and more than 1,000 are injured every day in the US due to distracted driving.
3. A study by the National Safety Council (NSC) found that cellphone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year.
4. Teens and young adults are particularly susceptible to distractions while driving. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported that 88% of young drivers aged 19 to 24 admitted to engaging in risky behavior behind the wheel, including texting, running red lights, and speeding.
5. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) found that texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by six times.
6. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that drivers who use cellphones while driving are four times more likely to be involved in injury-causing accidents.
7. The Impact of Texting and Driving on Our Community

As a local towing company, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of distracted driving in our community. Each year, we respond to too many accidents that could have been prevented if drivers had focused solely on the road. Not only do these accidents lead to severe injuries and property damage, but they also leave lasting emotional scars on families and friends.

Beyond the human toll, distracted driving imposes a considerable financial burden on our community. The costs associated with medical care, property repairs, legal proceedings, and increased insurance premiums can be overwhelming.

The Fight Against Distracted Driving

The battle against distracted driving requires a collaborative effort from all members of our community. As a towing company, we want to emphasize the importance of responsible driving and the avoidance of distractions behind the wheel. We know that the phone is a device that is powerful and sometimes too powerful to avoid using. Here are some simple tricks to ensure you don’t text and drive:

1. Put your phone on silent mode before you start your car.
2. Enable “Do not Disturb While Driving” mode on your smart phone.
3. Place your phone in a place in your car where you can’t see it or reach it. ie Glovebox
4. Hand your phone to your passenger for safe keeping.
5. Model this safe behavior for your kids and friends.

Distracted driving is an ever-present danger that threatens the safety of our roads and communities. As a local towing company, we urge everyone to take the statistics related to distracted driving seriously. By working together to raise awareness and promote responsible driving practices, we can prevent tragedies and make our roads safer for everyone. Remember, a momentary distraction can lead to a lifetime of regrets. Let’s put an end to distracted driving and prioritize safety above all else when we are behind the wheel.