Texting is a convenient way for friends and family members to exchange messages via their smartphones. But due to its convenience, many people abuse it by texting in situations where they shouldn’t, especially while they’re driving. Twenty-five percent of car accidents in the U.S. are because of texting and driving.
Here are a few common reasons why some people text while driving their vehicles.
Ignorance of driving and texting laws
Some individuals aren’t aware of driving and texting laws in their state. Forty-eight U.S. states ban texting and driving. (Missouri bans it for drivers 21 and younger, and Montana doesn’t have a texting ban.)
Habit
Because texting is ubiquitous, many people are practically glued to their phones. They text while walking, eating and even watching TV. It’s so ingrained into their heads that they’re not even aware they’re doing it, even if they’re texting while engaging in something that requires their full attention, like driving.
Fear of missing out
If someone is expecting a message from a loved one or potential employer, they don’t want to wait too long to respond. So they feel it’s better to respond as soon as possible than wait until they arrive home or at another destination.
Underestimation/recklessness
When stopping at a red light, some drivers might take advantage of this time to send or read text messages and see how much they can get away with before the light changes. This puts them at risk because they might react too late and hold up traffic and/or cause a collision.
Texting while driving is wrong in many scenarios. However, there are “gray area” situations where someone might send or answer a text during an emergency. If you’ve been ticketed for texting while driving, consider seeking legal assistance to learn about your rights.