Texting and driving is an extremely dangerous activity that can have serious consequences for both the driver and other people on the road. Some of the dangers of texting and driving include:

 

  •   Distracted Driving: Texting while driving requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention, which means that drivers are not fully focused on the road. This can lead to a decrease in reaction time, an inability to recognize and respond to hazards, and an increased risk of accidents.
  •   Decreased Awareness: Texting while driving can also lead to a decrease in awareness of the driver’s surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs. This can increase the likelihood of collisions, particularly in high-traffic areas or on busy roads.
  •   Risk of Injury or Death: Texting and driving significantly increases the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident. The force of a collision at even a low speed can cause serious injuries, and drivers who are distracted by their phones may be unable to take evasive action or brake in time to avoid a collision.
  •   Legal Consequences: Texting while driving is illegal in many states, including Arizona, and can result in fines, points on your driver’s license, and even imprisonment in some cases. These consequences can have long-term effects on your driving record, your insurance rates, and your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
  •   Psychological Consequences: Finally, texting and driving can have psychological consequences for drivers, including stress, anxiety, guilt, and remorse. These feelings can affect your mental health and your ability to drive safely in the future.

 

Overall, texting and driving is an extremely dangerous activity that should be avoided at all costs. If you need to send a message or make a call, pull over to a safe location or wait until you have arrived at your destination to use your phone. 

National stats show that a significant percentage of accidents happen when the driver is distracted, including texting and driving. According to 2020 NHTSA data, cell phone use or texting while driving was a factor in:

  •   13% of the distracted driving accidents that resulted in fatalities
  •   9% of distracted driving injury crashes, or about 29,999 accidents in total
  •   9% of all police-reported distraction-affected crashes, or about 50,098 accidents in total

 

Texting and Driving in Arizona

 

In Arizona, it is illegal for drivers to text while driving. Specifically, Arizona Revised Statutes 28-914 prohibits all drivers from using a handheld electronic device to manually enter, type, or send written communication while driving, including text messages, emails, and instant messages.

The law does allow for the use of hands-free communication devices, such as Bluetooth headsets or voice-activated systems, as long as the driver is not manually entering or reading messages while driving.

Violating Arizona’s texting while driving law is considered a civil traffic violation and can result in fines of up to $149 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $300 for subsequent offenses. In addition to fines, drivers may also face points on their driver’s license, increased insurance rates, and the possibility of license suspension or revocation.

Arizona’s texting while driving law is designed to promote safe driving practices and reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving. Drivers should always prioritize safety on the road and avoid using their phones or other electronic devices while driving to prevent accidents and injuries.

According to data from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), distracted driving, including texting while driving, is a significant problem in Arizona. Here are some statistics on texting and driving in Arizona:

  1. In 2019, there were 7,819 reported crashes involving distracted driving in Arizona, resulting in 3,500 injuries and 48 fatalities.
  2. According to a 2020 survey by the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, 52% of Arizona drivers admitted to reading a text or email while driving, and 39% admitted to sending a text or email while driving.
  3. In 2019, 3,142 drivers in Arizona were cited for texting while driving.
  4. Young drivers are particularly at risk for texting while driving. According to a 2020 survey by the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, 72% of drivers ages 16-20 admitted to reading a text or email while driving, and 56% admitted to sending a text or email while driving.

These statistics highlight the importance of addressing the problem of texting while driving in Arizona. It is crucial for drivers to prioritize safety on the road and avoid using their phones or other electronic devices while driving to prevent accidents and injuries.’

 

Tips for Keeping Yourself Safe

 

  1. Put your phone away: The most effective way to prevent texting and driving is to keep your phone out of reach while driving. Turn off notifications and put your phone in a glove compartment, purse, or backpack, or use a phone mount to keep it out of your hands.
  1. Use a hands-free device: If you need to make a call or send a message while driving, use a hands-free device such as Bluetooth or voice-activated systems. But remember, even with a hands-free device, it’s still best to avoid using your phone while driving.
  1. Set your GPS before driving: If you need to use your phone for directions, set your GPS before you start driving, or use a dedicated GPS device. This will help you avoid the temptation to look at your phone while driving.
  1. Ask a passenger for help: If you have a passenger in the car, ask them to help you with navigation or to answer your phone calls and messages.
  1. Pull over: If you need to use your phone, the safest option is to pull over in a safe location and use your phone while parked.
  1. Lead by example: As a driver, it’s important to set a good example for others. Avoid texting or using your phone while driving, and encourage others to do the same.
  1. Remember, distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents and injuries on the road. By taking steps to prevent texting and driving, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.

 

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