Distracted driving is a big problem all over the world because it causes a lot of crashes and deaths. Distracted driving has very bad effects on everyone, including the driver, passengers, people in other cars, and pedestrians. Distracted driving is becoming more common as more people use technology. It is important to know the laws around distracted driving, the risks of driving distracted, and how to avoid it.
The Severity of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the most common problem when it comes to road safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving causes the most crashes - 3,308 deaths in 2022. These are the main causes of this type of accident:
- Using a smartphone: A combination of visual, physical, and mental distractions.
- Talking to other people in the car
- Eating
- Using devices in the car, such as the radio.
Distractions while driving have serious consequences, and these statistics show how important it is to make laws that work and raise awareness about the problem.
Laws in Laredo, Texas, on Driving While Distracted
In Texas, laws against driving while distracted are in place to lower the risks that come with this dangerous behavior. Some of them are:
- Statewide Ban on Texting: Texting is prohibited for all drivers in the state. They can't read, write, or send text messages while they're driving.
- Using Cell Phones Near Schools: There are rules that say people under the age of 18 who are driving can't use digital communication devices or handheld phones in school zones.
- Local Ordinances: Austin and San Antonio are two places with stricter laws that make it illegal to use any handheld device while driving. Laredo does not yet have a city-wide law like this.
Fines for breaking these laws are usually between $25 and $99 for the first offense and up to $200 for each subsequent offense. The goal of these measures is to get people in Laredo and across Texas to drive less distracted and more safely.
Risks of Driving While Distracted
The risks of driving while distracted are severe and varied. Some of these are:
- Physical distractions include taking your eyes off the road, which greatly raises the risk of an accident.
- Cognitive distractions include the driver's mind not being on the road, which can be just as dangerous.
- Manual distractions include taking your hands off the wheel, which raises the risks even more.
At 55 mph, a car can go the length of a football pitch in just five seconds, which is roughly the amount of time it takes to send a text while driving.
Prevention Strategies
Strategies for preventing distracted driving are very important for lowering the number of accidents caused by it. Some important methods are:
- Campaigns to Teach and Raise Awareness: Programs like the NHTSA's "U Drive. U Text. U Pay." use public service messages and increased police presence to raise awareness and discourage driving while distracted.
- Technology Solutions: Apps that block calls and texts while you're driving and systems in cars that let you use voice commands can help keep you focused.
- Parental Guidance: Parents and guardians can help young drivers learn how to drive safely by having clear rules about using cell phones in the car.
- Policies Made by Employers: Employers can implement rules that state workers can't use cell phones while driving company cars.
- School Programs: Awareness of distracted driving can be a part of school curriculum, helping young drivers understand how important it is to keep their eyes on the road.