Don’t Be a Statistic: Distracted Driving Dangers in Texas

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and AAA Texas is doing everything that they can to bring awareness to Texas motorists about the dangers of driving while distracted. Texting while driving is one of the more common offenses in regard to distracted driving and just how dangerous it really is may surprise you.

📊 Alarming Increase: More Drivers Texting Despite Legal Bans

According to a survey conducted by The Zebra, in 2024, almost half of all drivers said that they sent or read text messages while driving. That is an increase of over 30% from surveys conducted over the previous three years. This is despite that fact that in 2024, Washington D.C. and 48 States made it illegal to text while driving.

🗺️ GPS Danger: Navigating Safely to Avoid Distraction

The driver training program, I Drive Safely, reports that your GPS can distract you and be as dangerous as using texting while driving. They note that there are precautions that you can take to use your GPS without putting yourself at risk. Programing you GPS before starting you drive will eliminate much of the risk of using GPS while in the car and using your cars built-in navigation system will is also much safer than using your phone or a third-party manufacturer.  If you need to make changes to the setting of you GPS it is important to pull over if you are traveling alone, or you can ask a passenger for help if you are traveling with a companion.

🗣️ AAA Advice: Speak Up Against Distracted Driving

AAA recommends that you speak up if the driver of your vehicle seems to be distracted, and that you should place your phone out of sight and reach in order to reduce your ability to access the phone.

There have been many fatal accidents on the roads of Central Texas lately. Buckle up and pay attention. I don't want to write an article about your accident.