Ready to drive? Turn off your phone

Astronauts no doubt think they have a lot of crucial steps to go through before liftoff. But probably not as important as yours as a first-time driver. You need to adjust the seat, adjust your mirrors, check your gauges, buckle up and get the tunes rolling. All pretty important, right? OK, maybe not as big a deal. But, you both want to be comfortable and have everything in order before taking off.

The most important step, though, doesn’t have anything to do with the vehicle itself; it’s setting aside your phone. Because texting and driving statistics prove, the two should not mix. 

Proof is in the numbers

About 400 people die each year directly from accidents involving texting and driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Essentially, there’s more than one death every day, just because someone wasn’t paying attention to the road.

In addition, thousands of people are injured due to texting and driving, many seriously. In 2021 alone, texting or other phone use was a factor in more than 20,000 accidents. Often, the victims are bystanders — people who were simply crossing the street or riding a bike.

Danger zone

Why is texting and driving dangerous? Think about what happens when you text: You take your hands off the wheel and your eyes and mind off the road. Basically, you’re ignoring all the things that should have your utmost attention. As you text, it’s easy to lose track of the vehicles around you — and if you’re not looking up, you’ll likely miss the brake lights directly in front of you.

But what if you’re just looking down for a second? Well, the effects last much longer. According to AAA, it takes nearly 30 seconds for your brain to reorient itself from screen to street. In fact studies suggest that, at least temporarily, texting slows down your reaction time as much as drinking four beers might.

Not so fast

When you’re not paying attention, it’s also difficult to maintain your speed. You may have noticed someone driving a bit slower than everyone else or swerving in their lane a bit. Chances are, they were looking down at their phone. Annoying, and dangerous.

Really, any type of distraction can be hazardous: talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, eating. Driving is not the place for multitasking. Even a valid reason, such as looking at your map app, could be a problem.

Not so fine

Is texting and driving illegal? Aside from endangering yourself and those around you, there are legal penalties for using your phone while driving. In Utah, you may be fined up to $100. The law prohibits:

• Sending or reading texts

• Talking on the phone

• Watching videos

• Taking photos

If you injure someone as a result, or you have more than one incident within three years, you may face stiffer penalties. There are a few exceptions. Utah law allows you to use your phone for navigation or a medical emergency. Also, if you see someone driving recklessly or doing something illegal, you may use your phone to report it to law enforcement.

Just say no to distractions

How do you ignore possible distractions? If you think you’ll be tempted to look at your phone, put it out of sight while driving; in the glovebox or in your backpack are good options.

Take advantage of integrated Bluetooth technology if you have a newer vehicle. It may allow you to hear text messages, answer phone calls and hear navigation prompts without taking your hands off the steering wheel. This can be a safer option, providing you don’t try to respond.

An even better choice is to rely on your passenger. Make them your personal assistant. They can relay directions, look up information or respond to texts if needed. Meanwhile, you’re free to pay full attention to your surroundings.

KSL Cars and Keys to Success knows driving is serious business. After all, you’re much more likely to get into a car crash traveling to school than an astronaut heading to the moon. Keep your eyes on the road and your phone out of sight. And if you really need to read or send a message, you can pull over. 

Find affordable vehicles to take you to all the fun places you want to go on KSL Cars.