The Dangers of Texting and Driving

Why You Should Put the Phone Down

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us rely on our phones for everything—from communicating with friends and family to checking directions and staying updated on social media. However, using a phone while driving is one of the most dangerous habits a driver can have. At Victory Auto Body and Paint, we’ve seen firsthand the damage and tragedy that distracted driving can cause, which is why we want to stress the importance of staying focused on the road.

​1. Understanding the Risk of Texting and Driving
Texting while driving takes your eyes, hands, and attention off the road, which significantly increases the chances of an accident. Here are the facts:

• Visual distraction: Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can lead to disaster. At 55 mph, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds, which is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
• Manual distraction: Typing or swiping requires you to remove at least one hand from the wheel, reducing your ability to react to sudden changes.
• Cognitive distraction: When your mind is focused on a conversation, you're not paying full attention to the road and potential hazards.

2. Statistics on Texting and Driving
The numbers don’t lie—texting and driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, especially among younger drivers.

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed over 3,000 lives in 2020 alone.
• Texting while driving makes you 23 times more likely to crash.
• 1 in 4 car crashes in the U.S. is caused by texting and driving.

3. The Impact of Texting and Driving on Reaction Time
When you text and drive, your reaction time is significantly delayed. Studies show that texting can slow your brake reaction time by as much as 18%, which can make the difference between avoiding an accident and causing a serious collision.

• Delayed braking: Even a fraction of a second can be critical in preventing a crash.
• Increased stopping distance: A delayed reaction extends the stopping distance of your vehicle, making it more difficult to avoid hitting another car or pedestrian.

4. Legal Consequences of Texting and Driving in California
In California, texting while driving is illegal, and the penalties are designed to discourage this dangerous behavior.

• Fines and penalties: If you're caught texting while driving, you can be fined up to $150 for a first offense, with subsequent offenses resulting in higher fines.
• Insurance rate hikes: Involvement in an accident due to texting and driving can lead to higher insurance premiums.
• Lawsuits: If you cause an accident while texting and driving, you could face legal repercussions, including lawsuits for damages and injuries caused.

5. How to Prevent Texting and Driving
The best way to avoid accidents related to texting and driving is to eliminate the temptation altogether. Here are some tips to help you stay focused on the road:

• Use "Do Not Disturb" mode: Most smartphones have a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature that blocks incoming messages and notifications while you’re on the road.
• Designate a passenger: If you’re driving with passengers, designate one person to handle your phone calls or messages.
• Plan ahead: Before starting your trip, set your GPS, send any important texts, and make necessary phone calls.
• Pull over: If you must send a message or make a call, safely pull over to the side of the road before using your phone.

​6. The Real-Life Consequences of Texting and Driving
At Victory Auto Body and Paint, we’ve seen the aftermath of texting and driving accidents. Beyond the damage to vehicles, the real cost can be life-changing injuries or even death. No message is worth risking your life or the lives of others on the road.

Final Thoughts
Texting while driving is one of the most preventable causes of accidents today. By keeping your phone out of reach and staying focused on the road, you can help keep yourself, your passengers, and others safe. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident, our team at Victory Auto Body and Paint in Burbank, California, is here to provide high-quality repairs and get you back on the road safely.