There’s no denying that technology has made us all more distracted. Having constant access to emails, social media, text messages, and the internet keep many people glued to their phones. It’s especially dangerous when combined with driving behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Auto accident statistics have been steadily climbing over the last few years, largely due to an increase in distracted driving.

According to the National Safety Council, there were a reported 40,100 motor vehicle deaths in 2017. In Texas, there were 109,658 traffic accidents that involved distracted driving in 2016, enough to make 1 in 5 crashes the result of distraction. Taking your eyes off of the road to send a text message, check social media, or find navigation directions can easily make you miss something on the road and lead to an accident. Studies show that even hands-free phone calls and music playing can distract a driver and impair their ability to make decisions.

Several states have passed laws that make it illegal to use your phone in certain capacities while driving a vehicle, but distraction is inevitable in our society. The best way to prevent distracted driving is to put your phone away and not use it while you’re operating a vehicle.

We here at Powers Taylor LLP have taken the pledge to drive attentively. You can take the pledge too by clicking here. Help improve the safety of everyone on the road by focusing on driving and not on your phone. That text message, that phone call, that Snapchat–it can wait. Distracted driving accidents are preventable, it starts with you. Just drive.