The Consequences Of Distracted Driving

Since phones became smaller and more portable, it is easy to use them for different purposes. Some use them as GPS devices while others love to text or call their loved ones while driving. These all constitute distracted driving and even if you’re not using your hands, it can cause serious consequences.

Accidents

Accidents are the main consequences of texting and driving, along with other distractions. To put this into perspective, check out what the NHTSA’s report shows. In 2022 alone, there were more than 3000 deaths linked to distracted driving. This does not include the number of people who were injured or maimed permanently by accidents.

Distracted driving not only puts you at risk but affects innocent road users. You could be responsible for another person’s death by not paying attention to the road. Also, you risk death or serious injury to yourself if you text and drive.

Prison time

Many traffic offenses carry penalties for offenders. Minor offenses can lead to losing your license, but that’s not where it stops. In severe cases where you cause the death or injury of others, you can be prosecuted and sent to jail.

Going to jail means you’ll have a criminal record for the rest of your life. This can affect your future job prospects and even other aspects of your life. Losing your license is also bad because it may affect your job and social life.

Costly premiums

Insurance companies do not like to cover high-risk people. If you’re prone to accidents, your premiums will be higher because the company believes they will spend more on your payments than other customers. The more accidents you’re involved in, the higher your premiums will be.

So now you’re not only stuck with prison time and a criminal record, but you also have to pay much higher than other drivers to insure your car. It’s not worth it at all.

Reduced productivity

Most times, distracted drivers try to increase their productivity by using their phones as they drive. They probably need to text their colleagues or staff to get ahead of a business deal. If you’re involved in an accident during this process, you’ll eventually need to spend some time in the hospital.

Time spent in the hospital will be more than the few minutes you could have parked the car to send a text. In more severe cases, you could be injured seriously and unable to go back to work. This means reduced productivity on your part and the part of the other road users affected by the accident.

Poor reputation

If you cause an accident while distracted, it could affect your reputation. News channels often pick up such stories, and social media highlights them as well. There have been several stories of people who caused accidents while driving distracted. In some cases, netizens clamored for their arrest, while others shunned them from society.

It’s harder to do business or work for people who are hurt by your actions. Repairing such a reputation is even more difficult so it’s better to avoid driving while distracted.