A Great Solution to STOP Texting While Driving!
Distracted driving is becoming a major issue not only significantly increasing auto accidents but also auto related deaths. According to the National Council on Comprehensive Insurance, 2016 had the most auto related deaths since 2007 as well as the dollar amount of physical damage was the highest ever.
There are so many things today that create a distracted driving situation, but texting while driving has become one of the biggest distractions and some even call it an epidemic. According to DISTRACTEDDRIVERACCIDENTS.COM; each year 330,000 accidents caused by texting and driving lead to severe injuries, which means over 78% of all distracted drivers are distracted due to texting while driving; one out of four accidents are caused by texting and driving; every day 11 teenagers die because they were texting while driving; when polled, 77% of adults and 55% of teenage drivers say they can easily manage texting while driving. These are just a few of the 25 shocking distracted driving statistics listed on www.distracteddriveraccidents.com
Almost every state has a law on the books to help prevent what has become in my opinion a major issue, so obviously creating laws does not seem to be having an impact.
So, what do we do? First, we all have to begin to take some responsibility for ourselves, but also in continuing to encourage others to be responsible. However, that is not enough and we can let technology be a part of the solution.
I recently downloaded the most recent update for my iPhone, the iOS11.0.2. update. One of the new features is all about helping us stay focused on the road is the new do not disturb feature specifically for driving. You can turn it on so it will automatically send a customized text back to anyone who texts you when the car is moving. For example, the text message you receive automatically if I am driving is; “I’m driving with Do Not Disturb While Driving turned on. I’ll see your message when I get where I am going. Safety first! Don’t text and drive!” (I am quite sure other phone makers have a similar option)
This accomplishes two critical issues we all have today. First, it gets a text back to anyone who texts you immediately, which is one of the issues surrounding text messages today, we all expect an immediate response. Second, it allows us to drive safely, without distraction.
This alone will not fix the problem, but it is one step that allows each one of us to take responsibility and still communicate with those who reach out to us.
Jeffrey Miller, LL.M.
Managing Partner
Oklahoma Commercial, Professional and Cyber Insurance Agency, LLC