Distracted driving has become a serious issue in Wichita Falls over the past year, leading to an alarming number of accidents. According to News Channel 6, nearly 1,000 crashes were caused by drivers not paying attention to the road. When you do the math, that’s almost three crashes every single day. And the worst part? All of them could have been avoided.
The Alarming Statistics
Almost three crashes per day caused by distracted driving is a hard fact to ignore. It’s easy to assume that accidents are just part of life, but when those accidents happen because we’re looking at our phones or getting distracted by something else, we have to ask ourselves: was that text, call, or notification really worth it? The truth is, most of the time, the answer is no.
We’ve all been there, glancing at our phones or trying to check a message, but that moment of distraction can have serious consequences. In a city like Wichita Falls, where I’ve lived since 2009, the impact of distracted driving is not just a statistic; it’s something we see on the roads every day.
Personal Reflection on Distracted Driving
I’ll admit, I’ve never claimed to be the smartest person in the room, but I do know how to use a calculator. And those numbers—nearly 1,000 crashes—really hit home for me.
I don’t understand how someone can be behind the wheel, a position that requires full attention, and still choose to focus on their phone or something else instead of the road. Maybe it’s because I was raised by parents who drove for a living.
They taught me that when you’re driving, your attention should be solely on that task. It’s a principle I carry with me to this day. Honestly, I feel uncomfortable adjusting the radio while I’m driving because I’m so focused on staying safe and aware.
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and I want to take this opportunity to bring attention to the dangers we face every day on the roads.
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that accidents happen to other people, but the reality is that we all play a part in keeping our roads safe. If this post reaches just one person and encourages them to put their phone down while driving, then it’s all been worth it.
Distracted driving isn’t just a statistic; it’s a real, preventable issue that affects families, friends, and communities. So, let’s work together to make Wichita Falls a safer place to drive. Put the phone down, stay focused, and remember: no text, call, or social media post is worth the risk of someone’s life.