Every year in the United States alone, 1.6 million car accidents occur because of cell phone use. This astounding number illustrates the severity of texting and driving in this country. It's in the best interests of every driver to understand the dangers of texting and driving so they can start taking proactive steps to prevent it; below, the injury attorneys at Sanders & Austin in Princeton, West Virginia, explain three crucial things to know on this subject.

3 Things to Know About Texting & Driving

1. Distracted Driving Is One of the Most Common Causes of Auto-Related Deaths

In terms of seriousness, distracted driving is on par with speeding and driving under the influence. In recent years, it has become one of the most common causes of auto accident-related deaths. Distractions can be visual, meaning it diverts your eyes from the road; manual, meaning it diverts your hands from the wheel; or cognitive, meaning it diverts your attention from driving. Texting while driving engages all three of these components.

2. Many Drivers Freely Admit to Texting While Driving

Before you think that texting and driving is only something other people do, consider this: 49 percent of drivers have admitted to texting while operating a motor vehicle. So, if it isn't you who is texting and driving, there is a good chance that someone you share the road with is. If nothing else, this underscores the importance of staying alert, focused, and mindful whenever you're at the wheel. You never know what the person in the next vehicle is doing.

3. Distracted Driving Claims Thousands of Lives Each Year

In 2016, nearly 3,500 lives were lost because of texting and driving. This is an issue we can all help to improve. If you text and drive and decide to stop, you could very well be saving a life. If you know someone who continues to text and drive, share this information with them. And if you're ever involved in a texting-related incident, protect yourself by contacting an injury attorney right away.

The lawyers at Sanders & Austin are here for you. For more than a century, their accident and personal injury attorneys have been representing clients throughout the region. Call (304) 425-8125, visit them online, or send them a message on Facebook or Google+ to set up a consultation with an injury attorney today.