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Consequences of Texting and Driving

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Understanding the Potential Consequences of Texting and Driving
Nowadays, it’s quite common for motorists to text while they are driving. While many might not see the harm in flicking their eyes down to their phone every now and then as they tap out a message with their thumbs, a single second can spell catastrophe no matter how slow or how fast you are driving. There are several potential consequences of texting and driving to consider the next time you get behind the wheel. 
 
Driver’s License Points
 
If you live in a state that uses a point system to keep track of your driving record, there’s a good chance that you can accumulate enough points to have your driving privileges revoked or suspended if you’re caught texting while driving. Simply waiting until you’re parked or out of the car before you send your message is a much better option compared to a smear on your driving record.
 
Tickets
 
Receiving a ticket is also included on the list of potential consequences of texting and driving. In many states police officers are allowed to stop you and write you a ticket if they catch you texting while operating a motor vehicle. In California, it’s not unusual to have to pay as much as $300 in fines and fees for texting while driving.
 
Higher Insurance Premiums
 
Your insurance company has access to your driving record. If they see that you have had points for texting while driving, they may decide to increase your insurance premiums accordingly. In order to keep your car insurance premiums as low as possible, you've got to do everything you can to show that you are a safe, responsible, and trustworthy driver, which means thinking about the consequences of texting and driving.
 
Criminal Charges
 
Should you ever injure someone while texting and driving, you could be hit with jail time. It’s not unusual to hear of texting drivers who have been found guilty of vehicular manslaughter or homicide. Those few seconds that you spend looking at your phone can potentially cost someone their life or lead to serious injury.
 
Guilt
 
If you do ever take someone’s life because you were texting and driving, it’s something that you’ll have to live with for the rest of your life. Imagine being reminded of that guilt every time you get behind the wheel or send a text message no matter if you’re in a vehicle or not. No matter how good of a driver you are, there’s no way of telling if your quick reflexes can avert a potentially fatal accident. Don’t allow texting while driving to slow those reflexes.
 
The potential consequences of texting and driving simply aren’t worth the trouble or the money it costs for tickets and higher insurance premiums. Do yourself and everyone else on the road a favor and keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road while driving.