Dangers of Texting while Driving Presentation by Sally Le Period 6

The Problem Due to technology increasing ability of better programing, hand-held devices are repeatedly used on the road. Since these programs (iOS or Android) keep updating on their; mobile phone, web searching, GPS, and text messaging, this gives drivers, particularly young drivers, a big distraction while driving on the road. Because of these circumstances, texting while driving has quickly become one of the country’s top killers.

Statistics In 2011 at least 23% auto collision involved cell phones. One teen from Idaho totaled two cars in the span of about a year, texting at the time of both crashes. 13% of drivers age 18-20 in car wrecks admitted to texting or talking on their mobile device at time of the crash. 52% say they talked on their cell phone while driving 34% say they texted on their cell phone while driving

More Statistics Teens who text while driving spend approximately 10% of the driving time outside their lane. 27% of adults have send or received a text while driving 15% of young drivers have seen their parents’ text while driving. 48% of kids 12-17 have been in the car while the driver was texting

Allison’s Story “On February 6th 2013, I was texting while driving. I lost control of my vehicle on a curve and landed in a ditch. The car was upside down. I don't really remember anything. A lady who saw the whole thing called 911. And I was flown to the Hospital. My brain had been bleeding. So they had performed multiple surgeries to stop the bleeding. I also had broken ribs and was just bruised and I had to get stitches in my head and face. After the lady had told me what had happened, I couldn't help but feel stupid. I almost lost my life because of a text message. But then really I can’t feel sorry for myself. People have lost their life to this. So, I am taking the pledge to never text and drive AGAIN! #itcanwait” -Allison, GA

Meme’s Story “I was rear ended in a car accident by a man who was texting and driving. My sister was in the car with me. My car and his car were totaled. My sister and I were in therapy for 6 months. My back will never be the same. #itcanwait” -Meme, FL

What Can You Do? Give Clear Instructions – Give teen drivers simple, clear instructions not to use their wireless devices while driving. Discuss the fact that taking eyes off the road – even for a few seconds – could cost someone injury or even death. Lead by Example – Children learns from their parent’s behavior. No one should text and drive. Be an example and if you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a safe place. Become Informed and Be Active - Set rules for yourself and your household regarding distracted driving. Tell family, friends and organizations to which you belong about the importance of driving without distractions. Take information and share it with students and parents.

Work Cited Marino, Kristin. "DWI: Driving while intexticated – Info graphic." OnlineSchools.com. (2012): n. page. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. <http://www.onlineschools.com/in-focus/driving-while-intexticated>. Federal Communications Commission. Dangers of Texting While Driving. Washington, DC 20554: , Web. <http://www.fcc.gov/guides/texting-while-driving>. Governors Highway Safety Association,. Distracted Driving Laws. Washington DC: , 2013. Web. <http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html>. Austin, Michael. "Texting While Driving: How Dangerous is it?." (2009): n. page. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. <http://www.caranddriver.com/features/texting-while-driving-how-dangerous-is-it>.