Think Halloween is Scary? Texting is Terrifying.

Texting is Terrifying

Halloween is a scary night of ghosts, goblins and other spooky costumes. If you’re like many people, you’ll be connected closely to your phone; after all, you never know when you may need it.  Your phone can save you, keep you connected to information, and maintain a social status with the people you enjoy spending time with.  After all, nobody likes to miss a holiday party, or to offend someone by not replying right away.  But, human lives are far more valuable.  For safety reasons, there are times when a text should wait.  Phones and technology can make people zombies.  The truth of the matter is that there is a time and place for everything, including the use of your phone.  Keep your common sense. If you’re not careful, a really frightening thing could happen, especially if you text and drive.  An auto accident can be more frightening than your worst nightmare, or scariest Hallow’s Eve.

Texting and Distracted Driving Accidents

The definition of distracted driving is literally any activing other than driving that takes attention off the road. Statistics show that phone texting is one of the top distractions reported in distracted driving accidents.  Texting and driving is deadly; causing many accidents and casualties in Wisconsin that may have been preventable.  Being attentive is important while operating an automobile.  Texting is a sure distraction, making people less aware of their immediate surroundings and responsibilities.  Moreover, it’s not just teen drivers that are guilty of texting and driving.  There are plenty of adults texting and driving as well.  Literally, one text could cause an accident that leads to senseless injuries or even death. At least when driving, “texting is scary!”   Statistics show that texting and driving accidents are increasing.  Don’t let it happen to you.

Wisconsin Texting Law & Driving Accident Statistics

Wisconsin state law now forbids driving “any motor vehicle while composing or sending an electronic text message or an electronic mail message.” Wisconsin’s texting ban is a primary enforcement law, which means law enforcement officers may stop motorists suspected of this offense alone. http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/drv-behavior/distracted-drv.aspx

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), gathers statistics annually which indicate the use of cellphones while driving and accidents or deaths that resulted.

NHTSA Texting & Driving Statistics & Other Interesting Facts

• According to the Wisconsin DOT distracted driving was responsible for over 120 fatalities and more than 11,000 injuries in 2015.
• Wisconsin Distracted Driving Crashes have increased each year since 2014.
• 16% of all Wisconsin trafficdeaths in 2015 were related to distracted driving.
• There is a distracted drivingcrash happening somewhere in Wisconsin every 22 minutes.

Wisconsin Legislators Unveil “Data-Distracted Driving” Bill

Others at Risk for Distracted Driving Accidents

Accidents involving texting are not limited to other automobiles.  Bicyclists and pedestrians are also at high risk.  When the operator of a vehicle is texting all neighbors are vulnerable.  All it takes is a distracted driver to drift onto a shoulder, cross into a bike lane, or ram into a cyclist. Accidents between cyclists and automobiles are serious. Pedestrians who are killed in traffic related accidents are on the rise as well.  A law in Hawaii was recently put into place which fines people who cross a street or highway while using a mobile electronic device.  California is considering a similar law, is Wisconsin next?

Now is the Time for everyone to Stop Texting and Driving

There are many excuses for texting and driving. If texting is dangerous, why do people continue to do it? Some claim to be great multi-taskers, but driving too large of a responsibility to take this chance.  When it comes to texting and driving, no one person is “better” at doing this than another.  Some may say that their commute is so long and boring that texting kills some time.  No message is worth risking your life, or the life of someone else.  No text message is worth picking up the phone while your vehicle is in motion. Keep your eyes on the road and either put the phone on silent or shut it off until you can pull over to a safe place.  Too many teens die in distracted driving accidents.  A growing number of older adults are starting to text and drive.  (They are causing accidents too.)  How often do you see other drivers engaging in this deadly behavior?  We all see it.  We have all done it.  And we all must work together to stop it.

This message about how unsafe, careless, and irresponsible texting and driving serves as a friendly reminder from the Accident Attorneys at Action Law Offices.  We know that all distracted driving can be avoided. Protect drivers, passengers, other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians by spreading the word. In Wisconsin, it is against the law to text and drive.  If you’re injured in a texting and driving related accident, contact us.