Millions of people use their phones throughout the day to text friends and relatives, create updates on their lives, and follow social media trends. Unfortunately, many of these people have a bad habit of using their phones while behind the wheel, resulting in countless incidents of distracted driving. While a defensive driving course will help you safely navigate roads filled with distracted drivers, it’s still important that you understand why it’s such a hazard.

Texting Keeps Your Eyes Off the Road

Using the phone while driving is hazardous enough, but when drivers start texting, they have to divert their attention even more. The keystrokes required to enter a message take far longer to input than even a short phone call. This means drivers are paying more attention to what’s on the screen than what’s on the road. This leads to an increased risk of accidents everywhere you drive. In fact, according to a report issued by the National Safety Council, it’s estimated that over 1.5 million crashes result from distracted driving. The actual number of cell phone-related crashes is likely under-reported, but estimates put it as high as 350,000 each year.

What You Can Do

Putting the phone aside and leaving it untouched while you’re behind the wheel will keep you from being a distracted driver. However, it won’t protect you from other drivers. Your best course of action is to enroll in a defensive driving course. These classes give you the techniques and tools you need to stay safer even when driving among distracted drivers. Everyone who has a license can benefit from a defensive driving course, whether they’ve just received their driver’s license or have been on the road for decades.

Looking for a great defensive driving course to show you how to stay safe on the road? Contact Morgan School of Driving. With three locations in New York, you’re sure to find a class that fits your schedule. Their experienced instructors will help you develop the techniques and skills to stay safe on the road in different situations, keeping you safe behind the wheel. Learn more about their lessons online. Call (585) 425-2410 to book an appointment at their Fairport location, (585) 288-6290 for Rochester, or (585) 227-9010 for Greece, NY.