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I usually speak of how technology has vastly improved the auto industry and generally, how it makes our autos that much more reliable. However, in the case of texting, technology is posing a danger on our roads. The popularity of cell phones has exploded since they first became affordable to the average Joe over a decade ago, but never the less, they come with inherent dangers, especially on the road. One of those dangers has been termed “texting while driving” (TWD) and, needless to say, evidence is beginning to show that you are putting yourself and others on the road at risk while doing so. This is what you need to know about texting while driving and how to avoid it.
Why Is TWD Dangerous?
The most obvious reason why texting while driving is dangerous is due to the fact that you must avert your eyes from the road for a period of time. Though not conclusive, a Virginia Tech (US) study found that drivers averted their eyes from the roadway for roughly five seconds while texting, which put them at a greater likelihood of being involved in an accident that could injure themselves or someone else on the roadway. As most of us know, a lot can happen in five seconds time while you are behind the wheel. Someone in front of you could stop suddenly or in an urban setting, someone could run out in front of you.
Sometimes texting while driving doesn’t even have to involve an auto: it can involve something much bigger and far more dangerous. Over the past year, two train engineers (drivers) have missed vital signals to stop or slow down due to texting, which resulted in mass injuries and 25 fatalities.
Laws Banning TWD
So far seventeen U.S. states have banned texting while driving (including my state of Illinois, which recently decided to ban the practice starting in 2010), while four provinces have also banned TWD. Those provinces are Labrador, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec. For specifics concerning these laws in your province, check with the appropriate authorities for more information (i.e. what is permitted and what is not). Besides texting, the laws of these provinces cover talking on your cell phone (a hands free device is legal) and a using a variety of other potentially distracting gadgetry.
When Worse Comes To Worst
The states and provinces that have banned texting while driving have provisions in their laws that do indeed allow for texting while you are in your auto. However, you must do so while your auto is stopped and in neutral or park. If you find yourself absolutely unable to resist texting back while on the road, here are a few steps that you can take to ensure that you are not breaking the law and endangering the lives of others on the roadways.
First, if you live in an urban environment where you run into a stoplight every now and then, shift your auto into neutral and get your text message out of the way while you’re at the light. This way you are not tempted to slam on the gas if you look up and notice that the light is green (or misinterpret a green turn arrow, for example). If this is not feasible, simply pull off into a parking lot and text. Second, if you live in a rural setting with minimal stopping points, simply pull over to the side of the road. Of course, you should activate your emergency flashers and either turn your auto off or take it out of gear. Third and most obvious, just wait until you get to your destination to text or make a call using a hands free device (if required by law).
It Can Wait
In other words, use your best judgment and common sense when you feel the need to text while you are behind the wheel of your auto. The minor and major repercussions can be life changing, which in the short term should signal to any driver that a sentence or two can wait until you reach your destination.
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