Everyone knows texting while driving is extremely dangerous — and we can rattle off a bunch of stats in support of it, like:
Using a cellphone quadruples the risk of crashing and the average driver takes their eyes off the road for five seconds to send a text. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than eight people are killed in crashes involving a distracted driver each day in the United States. We could keep going, but you’ve heard it all before.
Governments, companies and non-profit organizations continue to flood our television screens and social media feeds with emotional "No Texting" ads to educate drivers about the tragic results of texting and driving.
Many ads show everyday people, doing everyday things — and they succeed in making a connection with viewers.
But even with all the attention texting and driving receives, an astounding 49 percent of adults continue to text and drive, even though 98 percent know it’s dangerous to do so.
So, why the disconnect? Why do drivers continue to text, even with all the well-placed awareness and education?
The traffic industry can educate drivers until they are blue in the face, but if they aren’t actively reminding them it’s against the law to text and drive WHILE they are driving, they are fighting a losing battle.
So maybe the question we need to ask is, if it’s against the law to text and drive, why isn’t there proper road signage reinforcing the law?
Isn't there a stop sign or traffic signal at every intersection? How many speed limit signs do you drive by every day? Remember the last time you parked your car, only to see a no parking sign down the block?
Try to recall the last time you saw a "No Texting" sign while driving. Tough, isn't it?
Installing "No Texting" signs isn’t the be-all, end-all solution to the problem, but keeping the issue top-of-mind while drivers may to tempted to send that next text will keep our roads safer for all.
Is your community thinking about installing "No Texting" signs?
Aleischa Kronshagen
TAPCO | Product Manager
With several years of experience in the traffic safety industry, Aleischa manages TAPCO's dynamic curve warning solution product line and most other specialty solution product lines, including emergency vehicle, icy road and intersection conflict.
Previously, she was a member of TAPCO's customer service team, which fostered a passion for process and data analysis, as well as creative problem solving.