Texting While Driving Bans are Working
States with Bans are seeing reduced ER visits
It has been said again and again since cell phones became mainstream but its important to remember to never text and drive. A study in the American Journal of Public Health released this week adds more evidence to the case. States that implemented a texting ban saw on average 1,632 fewer traffic-related emergency room visits per year.
In 2016 alone almost 3,500 people died, and 391,000 were seriously injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. Michigan reported a 57% increase in distracted driving crashes, and a 67% percent in fatalities during such crashes, from 2016 to 2017. This in part is the reason that Michigan State Police are participating in a special distracted driving mobilization period from April 11 – 15. “When you are behind the wheel, keep your phone out of reach,” said Michael L. Prince, director of Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. ” Studies show that texting while driving takes your attention off the road more than any other activity.”
Tips to avoid texting and driving
- Turn your cell on ‘silent’
- Completely turn your cell phone off
- Put your cell out of reach (in glove box or trunk)
- Download an app that prevents texting while driving
