Distracted driving is a problem that affects people of all ages. It’s become all too common to find yourself behind someone at a traffic light who is too busy looking at their phone to notice the light has turned green. This scenario is concerning enough when the car is stationary, but the consequences can be catastrophic when someone is distracted while actually driving.
Take the story of Mia Thompson, who knows all too well the devastating effects of a distracted driver. Mia experienced a horrific accident caused by someone texting while driving. In a moving video that has gained significant attention, she addresses a group of teens who openly admit to driving while distracted. Their realization of the real-life impact of such reckless behavior is profound.
In 2010, Mia was on her way home from a family gathering when a pickup truck collided with her family’s vehicle. The driver of the pickup was busy texting and failed to notice a stop sign. Tragically, Mia lost her younger brother, and she herself suffered from severe injuries, including a fractured spine and a traumatic brain injury. After extensive rehabilitation, she fought her way back to recovery.
The teens in the video seem to grasp for the first time that their choices can have devastating consequences for others. And it’s not just teenagers who are guilty of this reckless behavior; adults also contribute to the problem. The statistics are alarming:
- Each day, 11 teens lose their lives due to texting and driving.
- Responding to a text diverts your attention for about five seconds, which at 55 mph is enough time to cover the distance of a football field.
- Texting and driving is responsible for 1 in 4 car accidents in the U.S.
- In 2013, there were 3,154 fatalities caused by distractions behind the wheel.
This is entirely preventable. We need to prioritize safety over convenience and educate our teens about the dangers of using a phone while driving. For more information on safe practices, check out our other blog post here. It’s crucial that we all understand the weight of our actions on the road.
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In summary, the risk of texting while driving is a serious issue that affects everyone. We must come together to discourage this dangerous behavior and promote road safety for all.