When your phone bleeps and lets you know a new message has arrived, it's awfully tempting to grab the device and reply in kind, even if you're currently driving. Specialty Paint & Body, an experienced collision center in Athens, GA, explains below why it is a terrible idea to text while driving. If you pay attention, the information below can prevent an accident and help you avoid car repairs and injuries.

3 Reasons to Never Text While Driving

1. You Risk Your Personal Safety

If you text and drive, you are 23 times more likely to be involved in an automobile accident. In any vehicle collision, you risk serious injury or even fatality. To keep yourself safe, avoid distracted driving and keep your eyes on the road.

2. You Risk the Safety of Others

Not only does texting while driving put you at risk, but it also threatens the safety of others.  Whether it’s passengers in your car, pedestrians, or other motorists, when you're not paying attention to what you're doing, you risk killing or injuring someone else, along with the resulting legal consequences. You could find yourself facing fines, a restricted license, or even jail time.

3. You Risk Damaging Your Vehicle

Even if nobody is injured in an accident that results from distracted driving, you'll likely face other costs. Your vehicle will likely require repairs from a collision center, which will cost a great deal. Even if your insurance covers the damages—and not all insurers will, if you've been cited for texting while driving—you'll still have to pay the deductible, and your insurance rates will almost certainly increase. In any case, it is an expensive proposition.

If you've damaged your car—whether you were texting while driving or not—contact the dent repair experts at Specialty Paint & Body, the most trusted collision center in Athens, GA. They've been providing customers throughout the region fast, reliable car repairs at a reasonable rate. Call them at (706) 353-8126 or visit their website for a map and business hours.