Driving has always been categorized as one of the most dangerous things that people do every day. It doesn’t matter how well one has mastered the driving skills.

Every time one gets behind the wheels, there is always some degree of risk associated with it. One of the major factors that contribute to this risk is distracted driving. This is a situation where the driver loses focus on the road and the vehicle and engages in some other activity.

Two of the most common causes of distracted driving are texting and driving, and drinking and driving. But which one is more dangerous? Is texting and driving as dangerous as drinking and driving?.

What is texting and driving?

Texting and driving is a form of distracted driving where the driver uses a mobile phone to send or receive text messages while driving. This is a dangerous activity because it takes the driver’s attention off the road and the vehicle.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting and driving is six times more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol. In fact, texting and driving is the leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States.

What is drinking and driving?

Drinking and driving is another common form of distracted driving. This is a situation where the driver consumes alcohol and then gets behind the wheels.

Alcohol impairs the driver’s judgment, reduces their reaction time, and affects their vision, making it difficult to focus on the road. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drunk driving accounts for nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.

The dangers of texting and driving

As mentioned earlier, texting and driving is a dangerous activity. When the driver is texting, they take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and their mind off the task of driving.

This is known as cognitive distraction, and it is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. When the driver is texting, they are not only risking their lives but also the lives of other road users. Texting and driving can result in severe injuries, permanent disabilities, and even death.

The risk of accidents increases when the driver is texting in heavy traffic or bad weather conditions.

The dangers of drinking and driving

Drinking and driving is also a dangerous activity. Alcohol impairs the driver’s ability to make sound judgments, slows down their reflexes, and affects their vision and hearing. Drunk driving increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and death.

In addition, driving under the influence of alcohol can result in legal consequences such as fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.

How to prevent texting and driving

The best way to prevent texting and driving is to avoid using your phone while driving. Before getting behind the wheel, ensure that your phone is out of reach and on silent mode.

If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over to a safe location first. Alternatively, you can use hands-free devices such as Bluetooth headsets, voice-activated apps or dashboard systems to make phone calls or send texts while driving.

You can also remind your friends and family not to text or call you while you are driving.

How to prevent drinking and driving

The best way to prevent drinking and driving is not to drink at all if you plan to drive. If you are going out to drink, plan ahead and arrange for someone who is sober to drive you home or use public transportation.

Alternatively, you can call a taxi or use ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. You can also remind your friends and family not to drink and drive and to arrange for a sober driver before going out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both texting and driving and drinking and driving are dangerous activities that increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and death.

While texting and driving is six times more dangerous than drinking and driving, both activities should be avoided altogether. It is essential to practice safe driving habits by avoiding distractions and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. By taking these precautions, we can prevent accidents and make our roads safer for everyone.