Teen Thoughts and Behaviors about Texting While Driving

Teens do not entirely understand that importance behind not texting while driving. There has been a serious increase in accidents solely do to texting while driving. Texting has become such a commonplace action that teens are unable to understand the importance of how it defers one's attention and awareness of the road while driving. It is even more difficult to establish this mindset in teens in Arizona because there are no laws established by the State of Arizona. 

Here are some statistics of texting while driving...

• Despite the risks, the majority of teen drivers ignore cell phone driving restrictions.
• In 2007, driver distractions, such as using a cell phone or text messaging, contributed to nearly 1,000 crashes involving 16- and 17-year-old drivers.
• Over 60 percent of American teens admit to risky driving, and nearly half of those that admit to risky driving also admit to text messaging behind the wheel.
• Each year, 21% of fatal car crashes involving teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 were the result of cell phone usage. This result has been expected to grow as much as 4% every year.
• Almost 50% of all drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 are texting while driving.
• Over one-third of all young drivers, ages 24 and under, are texting on the road.
• Teens say that texting is their number one driver distraction.
• About 6,000 deaths and a half a million injuries are caused by distracted drivers every year.
• While teenagers are texting, they spend about 10 percent of the time outside the driving lane they’re supposed to be in.
• Talking on a cell phone while driving can make a young driver’s reaction time as slow as that of a 70-year-old.
• Answering a text takes away your attention for about five seconds. That is enough time to travel the length of a football field.

Click this link to learn about a possible texting while driving bill to be created in Ariziona.

Photos of Texting While Driving Accidents

Stories of Texting While Driving: Paige

In June 2010 Nash was sending out a text when she crashed her PT Cruiser in Ellis County. It burst into flames and she was trapped inside. By the time rescuers got her out 70 percent of her body was covered with third and fourth degree burns.

"I hit them right where it hurts, right when I start out I hit them with the video," she said. "The crowd will hear the rescuers trying and struggling to save my life and I'm screaming."

Two years and 29 surgeries later, the mother of two takes full responsibility for what happened, sharing her painful recovery.

"My back is scarred in the shape of a heart and everyone just…. uh," she said. "If I can stop these kids from dying, if I can save one life then it's all worth it."

Despite the emotional and still lingering physical pain, Nash is determined to move on. These days she's even back behind the wheel.

"It's wonderful. The independence is wonderful," she said.

Nash has no idea how many surgeries she has left. But she keeps her sense of humor, even about the four toes she lost.

"I get my toes done and believe it I get 40 percent off too," she laughed.

She hopes the shock value of her story about the day she almost died to send a text will save someone's life.

"I keep that in my mind, that there's a bigger purpose here," she said. "The only thing you do behind the care is drive. That's the only thing you should be doing."

Stories of Texting While Driving: Sam

Sam Page, 20, Gisbourne, NZ

Can U pic me up? my phone beeped. It was a text from my older sister Sarah, 21, who had been partying in town and needed a lift home.

OK, I texted back.

I was at home in Gisborne, NZ, with my partner Shannon, 30, and our baby, Ryan, five months. I knew if I said no she'd send more texts until I gave in.

AT&T Don't Text While Driving Documentary