HOUSTON – Texting while driving is quickly becoming a dominant mode of communication for many, especially teens. Researchers said the median number of teen texts per day is 60, which is up from 50 a day in 2009.
A new campaign by the Houston Fire Department, the Houston Police Department, State Farm Insurance and Clear Channel Outdoor is warning drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.
According to State Farm, drivers who text and drive are six times more likely to get into an accident than drivers who did not text while driving.
Statistics show that distracted driving contributes as much as 20 percent to all fatal crashes and cellphone use is the main culprit. According to a recent study by the Texas Transportation Institute – Center for Transportation Safety, texting doubles a driver's reaction time and these drivers were more than 11 times likely to miss a flashing light while texting.
"Put down your cellphone, stop texting and pay attention to the road. We know at that moment that you are sending that text that you think it's important. But we would advise you that that text could wait and do it when you get home," HFD Chief Terry Garrison said.
Clear Channel Outdoor provided advertising space for 20 eco-friendly posters at a reduced price to promote the safety messages of "Texting Distracts -- Watch the Road!" and "Talk, Text Crash -- Hey you, hang up & drive!"
The billboards will run through May and will be displayed in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. They were funded by a $25,000 donation from State Farm Insurance.