Texting And Driving: A Dangerous Law-Breaking Trend

Texting and driving is an extremely dangerous habit that significantly increases the chances of a driver being involved in a motor vehicle accident. In the US, it is illegal in 48 states and the District of Columbia, and it's a primary offence in 41 of these states. In 24 states, it is illegal to use any handheld device while driving. Despite this, many people continue to break the law and text while driving, putting themselves and others at risk.

Texting while driving is illegal in most states

In addition to the bans on texting and driving, some states have rules for drivers of certain ages. In 37 states, drivers under the age of 18 are also not allowed to use their phones. Texting and driving laws also apply to school bus drivers and minors in many states. These laws are usually primary offences, but not always.

Breaking texting and driving laws can result in fines, fees, higher insurance rates, and even license suspension. Fines vary across states, from $75 in Illinois to $1000 in Oregon for a single offence. Texting and driving is considered the most dangerous distraction on the roads today, and is six times more dangerous than drunk driving. Sending or reading a text can take your eyes off the road for up to five seconds, which is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes shut.

Texting while driving is a primary offence in most states

Texting while driving is a dangerous activity that can lead to severe consequences, including injuries and death. As a result, it is banned in most states and territories in the US. As of 2023, texting and driving is illegal in 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Of these, 41 states and four territories have primary enforcement laws banning texting while driving, meaning that law enforcement officers can cite a driver for this offence even if no other rules are being broken.

In the remaining states, Nebraska, Missouri, and Montana, texting while driving is a secondary offence, meaning that a driver can only be cited for this offence in addition to another moving violation. However, Missouri and Montana only allow texting and driving for those over the age of 21.

The consequences of texting and driving vary by state but can include monetary fines, license suspension, increased insurance costs, and even prison sentences in the event of injuries or death. For example, Oregon has the highest penalty for texting and driving, with a maximum fine of $1000 for a single offence, while Utah comes in second with a fine of up to $750 for the first offence.

To address the dangers of texting while driving, some states have implemented hands-free laws, which allow for limited use of hands-free calls and text messaging. These laws aim to reduce distractions and increase safety on the road.

Texting while driving can result in fines, increased insurance rates, and a prison sentence

Texting while driving is a dangerous and potentially deadly habit that can result in serious legal and financial consequences. As of 2023, it is illegal in 48 US states and the District of Columbia, with varying penalties for those caught breaking the law. While fines are the most common punishment, some states also impose jail time, particularly for repeat offenders. Additionally, texting while driving can have a significant impact on your insurance rates and even result in a prison sentence in some cases.

Fines

The penalties for texting while driving vary by state, with fines being the most common punishment. For example, in Alabama, a first offence will cost you $25, the second offence is $50, and each one after that is $75, with two points added to your license for each offence. In California, the minimum fine for your first texting and driving citation will cost you at least $162, while in Texas, fines range from $25 to $99 for the first offence and between $100 and $200 for subsequent offences. Some states, like Alaska, impose much harsher penalties, with a class A misdemeanour criminal offence resulting in up to a year in jail and up to $10,000 in fines for a first offence.

Insurance Rates

Texting while driving is considered a major conviction and will result in increased insurance rates. Insurance companies view this as a form of distracted driving, which increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. A distracted driving conviction can lead to a significant increase in insurance premiums, potentially costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time. Additionally, a conviction may impact your eligibility for specific discounts or preferred rates, as safe driving discounts typically require a clean record.

Prison Sentence

While less common, it is possible to face jail time for texting while driving in certain states. For example, in Oregon, the second offence in 10 years carries a maximum fine of $2,000, while the third offence can result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. In Utah, any offences after the first can lead to up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the specific laws and penalties in your state to understand the potential consequences of texting while driving.

Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving

In 2022, 3,308 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in the US, and a further 290,000 were injured. Texting while driving is illegal in 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands. Of these, all but five have primary enforcement laws banning texting while driving, meaning that police officers can cite a driver for this offence even if they haven't broken any other rules. In the remaining states, texting while driving is a secondary offence, meaning that a driver can only be cited for this in addition to another moving violation.

The consequences of texting while driving can be serious, and can include fines, a prison sentence (in the event of injuries or death), license suspension, and increased insurance costs. In Oregon, for example, the maximum fine for a single offence of texting while driving is $1,000, while in Utah, a first offence can result in a fine of up to $750 and 50 points added to your license.

The best way to avoid the consequences of texting while driving is to simply not use your phone while driving.

Texting while driving is dangerous and increases the risk of accidents

Texting while driving is considered a form of distracted driving, which is defined as any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes talking or texting on the phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, adjusting the stereo, or using a navigation system. Anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving increases your risk of crashing.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that distracted driving is six times more dangerous than drunk driving. Texting is the most alarming distraction because it requires so much of your attention. When you text and drive, you're looking at your phone, thinking about what you're typing, and taking a hand off the steering wheel. No one is "good" at multitasking to this degree, and people pay for these decisions with their lives.

The dangers of texting while driving are evident in the statistics. According to the NHTSA, 3,142 people died in car crashes due to distracted driving in 2019, accounting for 9% of all fatalities that year. On average, about eight people die every day in the US due to crashes involving distracted drivers. Additionally, there is a 400% increase in the time spent with eyes off the road while texting, and the risk of a crash or near-crash increases by 95% when reaching for or dialling a phone.

To reduce the risk of accidents, it is crucial to stay focused and avoid distractions while driving. This includes refraining from texting or using your phone, as well as other activities that take your hands, eyes, or mind off the task of driving. By making a commitment to drive phone-free and encouraging others to do the same, we can all play a part in keeping our roads safe.

Frequently asked questions