4 Reasons You Should Stop Texting While Driving

Texting while driving is extremely dangerous and can lead to accidents that result in severe injuries or death.

There are dangers around every corner when texting and driving, but some dangers are more prevalent than others. If you text while driving, here are four reasons you should stop.

Texting While Driving is Distraction

The first obvious reason you should quit texting while driving is that it is a major distraction. When you’re texting, you are not paying attention to the road. And you may miss important visual cues like flashing lights or pedestrians/animals who dart out into traffic unexpectedly. This can lead to severe accidents, injuries, and even death.

In fact, according to the NHTSA, distracted driving causes about 280,000 injuries and 3,000 deaths per year. These are shocking figures, and they will likely continue to grow as texting and driving becomes more prevalent.

You Might Be Breaking the Law

Although Missouri currently does not have laws that ban texting while driving for all motorists, it has a law (Section 304.820 RSMo) that prohibits 21 and under drivers from text messaging and using hand-held mobile devices while driving. Commercial vehicle drivers are also required to abide by this law, regardless of age.

Your Insurance Could Go Up

Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who do not text and drive. Some even increase premiums if they find out you are a frequent texter on the road.

Also, if you are in an accident and it’s determined that you were texting at the time of the crash, your insurer may not cover your injuries and damages. You may be held responsible for all costs associated with your car accident. Save yourself the hassle of increased premiums by quitting your bad driving habits now! You will be glad that you did.

You Could Damage Your Vehicle

Texting while driving can lead to abrupt stops and lane changes, which could easily damage your car. It can also cause you to hit a pothole or another object on the road, resulting in expensive car repairs.

Even if your car is old and not worth much, it’s still important that you take care of it when you’re behind the wheel. Otherwise, even an older vehicle will be considered totaled in the event of an accident.

St. Louis Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

Texting while driving is not worth the dangers it poses. If you haven’t already, now is the time to quit.

If you have been involved in a car accident with someone who was texting and driving, call our experience St. Louis car accident attorneys 24/7 to learn more about your legal right to compensation.