The dangerous consequences of texting and driving
While cellphones are meant to improve our lives, they have also become a dangerous distraction for drivers.
Texting while driving has become something of a pandemic, with many people losing their lives because of it.
While cellphones aren't the only distractions while driving, things like eating, drinking and talking to others can also cause distractions.
Therefore, it is difficult to quantify the number of accidents caused by texting or talking on the phone.
"Some tests done in simulators suggest that talking on a phone, no matter how it's done, sharply elevates the risk of an accident. Researchers studying brain imaging documented that listening alone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%," reports Arrive Alive.
A video featuring a truck driver glued to his phone whilst driving shows just how easy it is to lose your concentration and cause an accident.
He had a dash cam, which we assume was placed there to monitor the driver's actions during his travels, but it still doesn't deter him from using his phone.
Watch the video below, courtesy of Instagram.
Unfortunately, it's not just texting and driving that's become a problem. Many people are walking and texting, which can also cause dangerous distractions.
A research study conducted by Discovery Insure shared some fascinating insights.
"Just one moment of mobile phone use can lead to 52 seconds of distracted driving—essentially driving blind for a full kilometre at 60km/h. The statistics are alarming: 80% of crashes involve some form of driver distraction."
We cannot blame texting and driving as the only distractions experienced by motorists.
It's safer to concentrate on the road while driving and as for passengers, stay in your lane and don't distract the driver.
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Image Courtesy of Instagram