How Many Car Accidents Are Caused By Texting And Driving?

In 2019, a total of 1,748 people were killed in Great Britain in car accidents.

Road accidents aren’t exclusive to Great Britain. They are random events that can happen at any time, anywhere in the world.

As people travel at high speeds, nearly every accident leaves someone critically injured, disabled, or dead. 

Someone’s world can be turned upside down in a single second, which is why sending a text message whilst driving is such a dangerous act. Distracted drivers and driving using electronic devices lead to shocking worldwide statistics in motor vehicle crashes.

Keep reading to learn more about the consequences of texting and driving, and what we can do to keep our loved ones and us safe on the road.

How Many Car Accidents Are Caused by Texting and Driving?

In recent years, texting whilst driving statistics have shown that the menaces on Britain’s roads have never been higher. The use of mobile devices by UK drivers on the streets is as life-threatening as aggression at the wheel.

Citizens are using mobile phones not only to make phone calls, but to text, check email, and browse social media, as well. Almost 25% of all drivers in the UK confess to making or receiving calls while they are driving. This rate skyrockets to 51% among drivers aged between 17 and 24.

In 2018 alone, cell phone driving accidents caused at least 33 deaths on the road.

What Are the Laws Regarding Mobile Phone Use?

In the UK, it’s illegal to hold a mobile device or sat nav while riding a motorcycle or driving. You can make and receive phone calls using hands-free access only.

What most people fail to realise is that this law remains in effect while you’re stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic, and supervising a learner driver.

The penalty for being caught with a mobile device in hand while driving is six points and a £200 fine.

What Can You Do to Reduce Texting and Driving Fatalities?

We must all do our part to reduce our phone use behind the wheel and lower these distracted driving stats.

When you’re driving and thinking about picking up your mobile device, consider the following:

• Can the message you intend to send or the call you’re about to make not wait until you get out of your vehicle?
• How likely is it that you will miss something genuinely important while you’re driving?
• How would you feel if you were responsible for causing a crash and injuring—even killing—someone because you were talking on the phone?
• What are the consequences of getting caught using the phone behind the wheel? Even if you don’t cause a crash, getting caught will create an impact on your life. You may incur fines, enrol in driving school, or lose your licence. 

If you are tempted to use your hand-held device while behind the wheel, just put it away. Better yet, keep it out of sight and silenced so you can stay focused on the road ahead of you.

Become a Better Driver Today

To further reduce your chances of car accidents, consider enrolling in your local driving school.

Our classes are for all age groups and will give you the confidence and skills you need to not only pass your driving test but continue to drive safely and confidently throughout your life.

You’re only one step away from being confident behind the wheel. For more information, contact us today.