Technology is rapidly changing the way we communicate, the way we work and the way we live our day-to-day lives. Faster and smaller computers, electronic gadgets and wireless connections keep us connected and informed no matter where we are. Texting, tweeting and communicating on-the-go has never been easier and more affordable.
What is Text Messaging?
Text messaging, or texting, is a form of communication where users send and receive digital messages wirelessly. Text messages, limited to 160 characters or less, are especially popular with children, teens and young adults. In fact, more than 1.56 trillion text messages were sent and received in the United States during 2009, according to a recent CTIA press release.
While texting offers an affordable and simple method of communicating with others, typing or reading text messages during certain activities can have serious consequences.
Texting While Driving Dangers
Whether you are changing the radio station, talking on the phone or checking on the kids in the rear-view mirror, it only takes a split second to become distracted while driving. And distracted drivers can be a hazard on the highway.
While speeding, driving under the influence and other high-risk behaviors are frequently attributed to vehicle accidents, many people now consider texting behind the wheel an epidemic. According to the National Safety Council, texting while driving contributes to more than 200,000 automobile accidents each year. Texting while driving is now illegal in more than 20 states across America.
One out of every four teenagers, or 26 percent, admits to texting while driving according to a recent Pew Internet & American Life Project survey. But teens are not the only ones texting behind the wheel. 27 percent of all American adults have sent or read text messages while driving, according to Pew. Adults’ text and drive more often than teens!
Texting and Teens
For many teenagers, texting is the preferred method of communicating. Since 2008, texting by teens has rapidly increased. Today, half of teenagers send 50 or more texts per day while one in three teens sends more than 100 text messages a day!
If you have ever watched a teenager text, you’ll be amazed at how fast those fingers can fly! According to a national survey conducted in 2008 by CTIA and Harris Interactive, 42 percent of teens said they could send a text message blindfolded.
Texting While Walking
And believe it or not, walking and talking at the same time may not be as easy as it once was. Texting can also be dangerous while walking. Pedestrians distracted by text messages walk into trees, poles or oncoming traffic. According to a 2008 Ohio State University study, more than 1,000 people ended up in the emergency room due to walking while talking on a cell phone.
Free Text and SMS Services
While many people assume texting is done on portable electronic devices, texting can also be done on a computer. In fact, some services provide free online texting. Just visit an online texting service, enter the mobile phone number, type the text and send. The cell phone user will receive the text message on his or her mobile device.
While text messaging offers numerous positive benefits at a reasonable cost, sending or receiving text messages during certain activities can be dangerous. Texting behind the wheel or while walking is an unnecessary distraction that can have deadly consequences.
Sources:
- Pew Internet & American Life Project, Teens and Distracted Drivers, Amanda Lenhart, Mary Madden. November 2009. Last accessed June 21, 2010.
- Pew Internet & American Life Project, Adults and Cell Phone Distractions, Mary Madden and Lee Rainie. June 2010. Last accessed June 21, 2010.
- Pew Internet & American Life Project, Teens and Mobile Phones. Last accessed June 21, 2010.
- National Safety Council, Press release January 2010. Last accessed June 21, 2010.
- CTIA Wireless Association, Press release June 2010. Last accessed June 21, 2010.
- National Survey by CTIA and Harris Interactive, Teenagers: A Generation Unplugged. Last accessed June 21, 2010.
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway - +JaceShoemaker-Galloway is more than passionate about online safety awareness. She has devoted and dedicated over five years to Internet ...
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