Dirk’s Auto Repair in Lincoln, NE, cares about more than just providing auto services. Dirk wants all his customers to stay safe on the road—and that means never texting while driving. While this might seem like a quick or harmless choice, texting can lead to far worse consequences than a trip to the auto repair shop.

Why You Should Never Text While Driving

1. Lowered Road Awareness

The more often you look away from the road, the less you see what’s going on around you, including potential hazards and people or animals you may hit and injure. Even a short text takes several seconds to compose. At 20 mph, five seconds is 113 feet; at 60 mph, it is 440 feet. That is much too far to take your eyes off the road. And since the average text response time is 90 seconds, the conversation can become much more than a single five-second distraction.

2. Slower Reaction Times

According to a 2003 study by the University of Iowa, driving while talking on a cell phone is actually more dangerous than driving drunk. A similar study at the Texas Transportation Institute showed that sending or reading a text message cuts reaction speed in half, adding precious seconds to the time it took drivers to hit their car brakes. Once again, even a few seconds can make a difference of hundreds of feet, depending on the speed. Drivers were also more likely to completely miss the cue to brake.

3. Occupied Hands

Even if you do spot a hazard in time to react, texting means you won’t have both hands on the wheel. This means you’ll have less precise control of your vehicle and can’t turn as sharply. The time it takes to drop your phone and grab the wheel is yet another factor that increases reaction times and makes it more likely you’ll get in an accident that will send you to an auto repair shop.

Dirk’s Auto Repair encourages all of the area’s drivers to practice road safety every moment they’re behind the wheel. If you do end up in a collision, visit this reliable auto repair shop to have Dirk take care of your car. With over 20 years in business and a commitment to personalized service, they are the area’s expert in everything from basic auto maintenance to major engine work. For questions or to schedule a visit, call (402) 466-6010 or contact him online.