As a part of Defensive Driving Courses, at Basin Safety we teach that texting while driving is an extremely dangerous activity (and can be fatal) that significantly increases the risk of major accidents.

Sadly. The problem of reading or sending texts while driving continues to be a serious threat to workers in the oilfield, many of whom spend long hours on the road. Here are some key dangers associated with texting while driving:

1. Distracted Driving:

○ Visual Distraction: Taking your eyes off the road to look at your phone means

you’re not watching where you’re going, which is crucial for safe driving.

○ Manual Distraction: Removing one or both hands from the steering wheel to

type or read a message reduces your control over the vehicle.

○ Cognitive Distraction: Focusing on the content of a text message distracts your

mind from the task of driving, impairing your ability to make quick decisions.

2. Increased Accident Risk:

○ Reaction Time: Texting while driving slows down your reaction time, making it

harder to respond to sudden changes in traffic, such as a vehicle stopping

abruptly in front of you or a pedestrian crossing the road.

○ Accident Statistics: Studies have shown that texting while driving significantly

increases the likelihood of accidents. Drivers who text are up to 23 times more

likely to be involved in a crash compared to those who are not distracted.

3. Severe Consequences:

○ Fatalities: Texting while driving can lead to fatal accidents, endangering not only

the driver but also passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.

○ Injuries: Non-fatal accidents caused by texting while driving can result in serious

injuries, leading to long-term physical and emotional consequences.

4. Legal Penalties:

○ Traffic Violations: Many jurisdictions have laws prohibiting texting while driving.

Violators can face fines, points on their driving record, and even license

suspension.

○ Criminal Charges: In cases where texting while driving leads to severe

accidents or fatalities, drivers may face criminal charges such as reckless driving

or vehicular manslaughter.

5. Insurance Implications:

○ Higher Premiums: Being caught texting while driving or being involved in an

accident caused by texting can lead to higher insurance premiums.

○ Claims Denial: In some cases, insurance companies may deny claims if it is

proven that the driver was texting at the time of the accident.

6. Impact on Others:

○ Endangering Lives: Texting while driving puts the lives of others at risk,

including passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.

○ Emotional Trauma: Accidents caused by texting while driving can lead to

emotional trauma for the driver and those affected by the crash, including victims’

families.

7. Economic Costs:

○ Medical Expenses: Accidents resulting from texting while driving can lead to

significant medical expenses for treatment and rehabilitation.

○ Property Damage: Collisions can cause extensive property damage, leading to

costly repairs or replacements of vehicles and other property.

8. Distraction Timeframe:

○ Critical Seconds: Research indicates that the average time a driver’s eyes are

off the road while texting is around 5 seconds. At 55 mph, this is equivalent to

driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

To mitigate these dangers, at Basin Safety, we teach that it is crucial for drivers to stay focused on the road and avoid any form of distraction, including texting. Utilizing hands-free devices, pulling over to send or read messages, and promoting awareness about the risks can help reduce the incidence of texting-related accidents and save lives