A 40-second video by traffic safety group Safely Home shows just how dangerous texting while driving can be. 

Every day, about 8 people in the United States are killed in crashes involving a distracted driver. Young people are especially at risk: 25% of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes are young adults aged 20-29. 

When you choose to text and drive, you put more than just your own life at risk. In 2019, there were 566 nonoccupants (pedestrians, bicyclists, and others) killed in crashes involving a distracted driver. 

Fortunately, many states have enacted laws to prevent distracted driving including banning the use of handheld devices, banning texting while driving, and limiting the number of passengers who can ride with teen drivers.

If you’re not sure of your local distracted driving laws, you can track them state by state through the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 

Taking extra precautions to avoid using your phone while driving could save your life, the lives of others on the road, and prevent serious (and expensive) legal consequences.  

• If you receive or need to send a text, pull over and park your car in a safe location before taking out your phone

• If you have a passenger in your car, allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages 

• Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature or download an app that prevents you from using your phone while driving

• If you really can’t resist touching your phone, put it in your back seat, trunk, or glove box until you arrive at your destination

It may be tempting to believe that it’s safe to take a few seconds to send a text, but the statistics and video prove otherwise. 

Sign Hunter’s Pledge to End Distracted Driving

Hunter’s Pledge was designed to encourage drivers to commit to safe driving habits. Since 2016, tens of thousands of drivers have signed the pledge and permanently changed their driving behaviors. Studies show that signing a pledge can dramatically and permanently change behaviors. In fact, 55 percent of people who sign Hunter’s Pledge have changed their driving behavior. 

Hunter’s Fund

Hunter’s Fund honors the life of Hunter Watson, a young man of extremely diverse talents who was killed at 20-years-old when he was fatally injured as a passenger in a distracted driving collision.

Through distracted driving education and awarding grants to help young people’s involvement in performing arts, music, computer science, and entrepreneurship, Hunter’s Fund empowers young people in their careers and keeps Hunter’s spirit alive.

Does your fraternity or organization want to get involved with Hunter’s Pledge? Click here for more information, or contact Natalie Kwon natalie@hunterwatson.org.