[Infographic] Texting While Driving

We know how impossible it can be to put your phone down. We've got texts to answer, things to Facebook, Tweets to send...

However, texting and driving a car can often be more OMG than LOL. It can be a dangerous and deadly combination, but for some reason, we keep on doing it.

A series of studies and articles online show that up to 60% of people, particularly teens, text while driving. Other studies suggests that the average text message takes your eyes off the road for almost 5 seconds which can lead to the slowest break time, often travelling 200 ft before they have fully come to a standstill. In fact, they say when people responded to text messages while driving, the effect can be worse when driving and over the limit. The numbers back this up, too. Some studies and articles say that of all car accidents at least 28% involve mobile phone use of some kind. This can add up to thousands of collisions per year that might have been avoided if mobile phones weren't involved. That's why it's so important to make sure you have proper car insurance coverage for when accidents do occur.

We rounded up the info, studies and reports online in a handy infographic below.

So why do we do it?

Some say it's addiction, others say it's compulsive behavior and then there's the other argument that it's a biological problem:

  1. Addictive: Addictive behavior often mean we make irrational decisions like texting while driving
  2. Compulsory: There's a need and an expectation for us to respond to text messages immediately
  3. Biological: Studies say that the human brain often makes impulsive decisions when multitasking

How Do We Stop?

To counteract all this, there are a lot of sites online that offer you lots of tips and advice to stop you texting while driving. For example, if you think you will still be tempted to text and drive, put your phone somewhere you can't reach it, like in the boot.

There are lots of other ways too to keep your eyes on the road and off your phone, including downloading a special mobile app. Again there are lots to choose from online to help you take control of your mobile phone.

Texting while driving - the facts - An infographic by the team at AIG Car Insurance.

 

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