The Dangers of Texting and Driving: Why It’s More Dangerous Than You Think
In today’s world, cell phones have become essential tools in our daily lives. They keep us connected, entertained, and informed, and they are especially crucial for communication, navigation, and productivity. However, with the convenience of smartphones comes a growing danger—texting and driving.
Many drivers, especially young adults, believe they can multitask behind the wheel, and some even believe they can safely text and drive. However, texting while driving is not only a dangerous choice, but it is also a leading cause of automobile accidents across the country. In fact, statistics show that texting and driving is a serious epidemic, and we must all take steps to prevent it from becoming even worse. If you’ve been injured in an accident while someone was texting and driving, give our Columbus car accident lawyers a call today.
The Epidemic of Texting and Driving
In 2011, studies revealed that 23% of all auto collisions involved cell phones, resulting in 1.3 million crashes that year alone. These numbers have only continued to climb. Texting while driving has become one of the most prominent threats to road safety, and despite widespread awareness campaigns, many drivers still choose to send and receive messages while behind the wheel.
One of the most disturbing statistics to emerge in recent years is that texting while driving makes a crash up to 23 times more likely. This stark number should be enough to convince even the most confident drivers that texting while driving is a dangerous choice. It’s easy to assume that texting for just a few seconds is harmless, but studies show that even a brief distraction is enough to lead to catastrophic consequences.
It’s well-known that driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous, yet many people fail to realize that texting while driving can be even more dangerous. Texting and driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than driving while intoxicated. When you factor in the severe consequences of texting and driving, such as injuries, fatalities, and property damage, it becomes clear that texting while driving is not only irresponsible—it’s deadly.
Why Are Young People at Greater Risk?
The use of smartphones is most prevalent among young people, making them more likely to engage in texting while driving. Studies show that a large percentage of young drivers—specifically those between the ages of 18 and 24—admit to texting while behind the wheel. A survey conducted in 2020 revealed that approximately 77% of young adults feel confident about their ability to text and drive without causing harm. This overconfidence can have dangerous consequences.
At any given time across the country, it is estimated that 800,000 drivers are texting while on the road. This staggering number highlights just how widespread the issue is, with millions of drivers putting themselves and others in jeopardy every day. What’s even more alarming is that younger drivers are more likely to use their phones while driving because they are accustomed to using them constantly. They often feel that sending a quick text or responding to a message can be done in the same manner as any other task.
In addition to the inherent danger of texting, young drivers are also more likely to engage in other forms of distracted driving, such as using social media, taking photos, or watching videos on their phones while behind the wheel. This puts them at a higher risk for accidents and makes them more vulnerable to causing harm to themselves or others on the road.
The Cognitive and Physical Impact of Texting and Driving
When a driver engages in texting, they are simultaneously distracted in three critical ways: visually, manually, and cognitively.
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Visual distraction: When you look at your phone screen to read or send a message, your eyes are no longer focused on the road. This means you are not able to react to any obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles around you.
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Manual distraction: To type or send a message, drivers need to take their hands off the steering wheel, which reduces their ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
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Cognitive distraction: Texting also takes up a person’s mental focus, meaning they are not fully engaged in the driving task. They may miss traffic signals, road signs, or the movements of other vehicles, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
Studies have shown that the average time it takes to send or read a text message is about five seconds. While this might sound short, when driving at 55 miles per hour, this is equivalent to driving the length of a football field without looking at the road. This brief lapse in attention can have deadly consequences. Every time a driver looks down at their phone, they are putting themselves and others in immediate danger.
The Consequences of Texting and Driving
The consequences of texting and driving can range from minor accidents to fatal crashes. In the most extreme cases, texting and driving has been the cause of head-on collisions, rollovers, and multi-vehicle pileups. The impact of these accidents is far-reaching, affecting not only the drivers involved but also their passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and families.
Injuries from texting-related accidents can be severe. Victims of texting and driving accidents often suffer from whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of these injuries can last a lifetime, leaving victims and their families struggling to recover.
In addition to physical injuries, victims of texting-related accidents often face significant financial hardship. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage can quickly add up. In many cases, the person responsible for the accident may not have sufficient insurance coverage to cover all the damages, leaving victims in a difficult position.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself on the Road
While texting and driving may seem like a tempting or convenient option for some, the risks are far too great to ignore. To protect yourself and others on the road, follow these simple but effective steps:
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Never text and drive: This is the most important rule to follow. If you need to send or respond to a message, pull over to a safe location and stop your vehicle before using your phone. If you must make a call, use hands-free features like Bluetooth, but remember that stopping to make a call is always the safest option.
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Educate yourself and others: The more drivers understand the dangers of texting and driving, the more likely they are to avoid it. Spread awareness among friends, family, and colleagues about the risks of texting while behind the wheel.
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Use technology to your advantage: Many newer smartphones have features that can block texting while driving, or they can send automatic replies to let people know you are on the road. Make use of these tools to reduce the temptation to text while driving.
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Set an example: If you are a parent, a teacher, or a mentor, set a good example for younger drivers by not texting while driving yourself. Encourage others to do the same, and reinforce the importance of staying focused on the road.
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Keep your distance: If you notice another driver texting while on the road, give them plenty of space. Texting drivers are more likely to swerve, brake suddenly, or make erratic movements that can lead to accidents.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Texting and Driving Accident
If you are the victim of a motor vehicle accident caused by another driver’s texting, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Here are the key steps to take immediately after a texting-related accident:
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Call law enforcement: Reporting the accident to the police is essential for documenting the incident and ensuring that an official record is made. Police officers can also help determine fault and may issue citations for texting while driving.
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Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. Make sure to collect contact information from witnesses and the other driver(s).
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Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time.
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Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider about the accident and provide them with the necessary documentation. Be honest about what happened, but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you.
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Consult with an attorney: If you were injured in a texting and driving accident, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the claims process, protect your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Take Action: Protect Yourself from Texting and Driving Accidents
As of February 2025, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) has reported a slight decrease in the number of fatal crashes across the state, with seven fewer fatalities compared to 2024. Despite this overall decrease, some counties have seen a troubling rise in fatal crashes. Notably, Franklin County has experienced three more fatalities than last year, while other counties like Cuyahoga and Montgomery have seen reductions in fatal accidents. As OSHP continues to conduct enforcement stops for distracted driving, OVI violations, and seatbelt compliance, it’s clear that distracted driving—including texting—remains a critical concern on Ohio’s roads. The need for vigilance and caution is more important than ever to continue the trend of reducing fatalities and ensuring that drivers stay focused on the road, free from distractions.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of an accident caused by texting and driving, don’t wait to take action. The legal team at The Fitch Law Firm is here to help. We offer a free initial consultation and can guide you through the process of filing a claim, ensuring that your case is handled with the care and expertise it deserves.
Call The Fitch Law Firm today at 855-529-6446 for your free consultation and take the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you are entitled to. Don’t let texting and driving continue to harm innocent people—together, we can work to make our roads safer for everyone.