Texting and Driving: 2022 Statistics You Need to Know (So Far)

Texting and driving have become one of the most dangerous causes of car accidents over the last decade. While many states and cities have implemented laws into place to reduce the occurrence of texting and driving, it still happens frequently.

Texting and Driving Facts to Know for 2022

Here are a few texting and driving facts to know for 2022:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that as many as 660,000 drivers use their phones while driving at any moment.
• Studies from Virginia Tech report that your risk of being in an accident increases as much as 20 times when using a phone.
• AAA reports that while 94% of teens understand the risks of texting and driving, approximately 35% still do it.
• Texting and driving is similar to shifting your focus off of the road for the length of a full football field.

Most people understand the risks of texting and driving by now. The problem is that most people don’t think they’ll be in an accident caused by texting and driving.

How to Avoid Texting and Driving

The most obvious way to avoid texting and driving is to just not do it. But, this isn’t a reality for many people. In fact, most texting and driving accidents occur when a driver gets comfortable because they have done it so many times, and have never been in an accident. It isn’t until you’re in an accident, or cause an accident, that you realize the dangerous outcome of it.

Here are a few tips to help you, and your teen driver, avoid the temptation of texting and driving:

1. Use Modern Driving Technologies

The risk of texting and driving has been around long enough that car manufacturers are now designing vehicles with safe driving technologies. These technologies allow you to make phone calls, or send text messages, without using your smartphone.

2. Put Your Phone in a Hard-to-Reach Place

Putting your phone out of reach can help you avoid the temptation of checking it when a text message or phone call comes through. Place your phone in the glove box and turn off the ringer. If you still find it difficult to avoid checking your phone while driving, consider turning it off or setting it to silent.

3. Use Downloadable Apps

Even if your vehicle doesn’t have the latest safe driving technologies, there are apps that you can download to avoid texting and driving. These apps automatically block phone calls and text messages from coming through when you’re driving. Some of these apps even notify the texter or caller that you’re driving.

4. Monitor Your Teen’s Driving

Teenagers make up the highest rate of drivers who text. In addition to teaching teens the risks of texting and driving, it’s also important to monitor their driving.

Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident?

Texting and driving is considered negligence. It’s also illegal in many states, including New Jersey. If you were injured in an accident that was caused by texting and driving, you may have compensation options available. You may have a case that can help you recover costs like medical bills or lost wages.

Contact a Brick Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a distracted driving car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. represent clients injured because of a car accident in Edison, Middletown, Lakewood, Toms River, and throughout New Jersey. Call 732-564-7165 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1862 Oak Tree Rd, Edison, NJ 08820, as well as offices in Brick, Freehold, and Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.