Voice Texting: Not a Safer Alternative for Drivers

Drivers are increasingly coming to realize the potential hazard texting while driving can create on the roads. State legislatures across the United States have also stepped up their efforts to curb distracted driving accidents by passing legislation to punish drivers who text while operating a vehicle.

Drivers often use voice-activated texting apps under the assumption that hands-free texting makes for a safer commute. However, many are surprised to learn that voice texting can also create dangerous distractions.

Voice Texting May Delay a Driver’s Reaction Time

According to a study conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A & M University, drivers’ reaction times reduced by half, and their eyes were on the road less often while speaking a voice text into a mobile device. The study concluded that drivers were similarly distracted whether they manually typed text messages while driving or used a voice texting technology. Texas A & M researchers tested drivers who used Android and iPhone devices.

Causes of Distraction While Voice Texting

It may seem counterintuitive for drivers to take their eyes off the road while voice texting; however, there are several reasons drivers cited for becoming visually distracted. The most common reason cited was the inclination to look at the screen to see if the voice app captured the message correctly. Even when we text normally, we usually edit the text a couple of times before hitting send. Therefore, turning your attention towards your phone that many times will definitely become a problem while on the road.

Voice Texting Creates Mental Distraction

Whether manually texting or voice texting, both methods require the user of the device to think about what he or she will say while sending the message. Diverting attention away from the road to compose a message detracts from a driver’s ability to appreciate changing road conditions, remain aware of where surrounding cars are positioned, and react quickly and safely in the event of a road hazard. Moreover, it is well-known that vehicles will be most affected during the first few minutes of changes in weather, whether it is rain or other precipitation. It is very important to stay alert and notice when changes in your driving should occur: reducing speed, turning on your wipers or lights.

Staying Safe While On the Road

The best way to avoid causing a distracted driving accident is to avoid operating a vehicle while distracted. If you need to send a text, pull over in a safe location first. In addition to not texting and driving, adopting defensive habits like remaining alert and avoiding drivers who appear to not be paying attention to the road may also reduce accidents.

Although it is natural to believe that one second of distraction will not cause any damage, history has shown that that’s all it takes for a disaster to take place. Even short moments of distraction, whether it is skipping to the next song on Spotify or turning off an alarm, could turn out to be decisive.

When it comes to voice texting or any other type of voice control, your chances of avoiding an accident will definitely rise. Nevertheless, it is far from being safe. Even if your hands are on the wheel and your eyes on the road, your mind may be somewhere else completely. Sometimes, our concentration can be distracted by the tiniest things we see on the road. For example, slightly bumping into the front car at a traffic light because something on the sidewalk caught our attention. Imagine having to dictate your thoughts and wondering if your phone caught that correctly. Voice texting definitely beats actual texting, however, it should never be regarded as a safe method of communication while driving.

Injured By a Distracted Driver?

If a driver causes an accident while voice texting, he or she may be required to compensate anyone who sustains an injury as a result of distracted driving. Even though the driver may not have broken the law by voice texting, injured accident victims may file a claim against the driver in civil court.

Filing a Claim For Compensation

If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of someone else’s distracted driving, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, related time away from work, and possibly other types of compensation. A car accident lawyer can help you recover the highest amount of eligible compensation.

Calling a Car Accident Attorney

Accident attorneys work diligently to gather the facts of car accidents case to help injured victims prove the driver who was at fault caused the victim’s injury. It is always best to contact an attorney as early as possible in the interest of gathering evidence, thoroughly documenting the plaintiff’s injuries, and filing a claim before the statute of limitations. When dealing with such relative reasoning behind filing a claim, it is very important to seek professional legal advice, as going through such a process will require a lot of experience and present many particularities.

Legal Counsel and Representation for Distracted Driving Accident Victims

If you were injured in a distracted driving accident, call us today to receive a free case evaluation to help you plan your next move. Our attorneys will help you make well-informed legal decisions that are in your best interest. We will stand up for you against the insurance companies and defend your right to receive the compensation you need.

Bottom Line

Although technology is thought to make our lives easier, it can sometimes intervene in the most mundane tasks. Driving a car is probably one of the most repetitive tasks throughout a lifetime, but our cognitive functions can easily be affected by these kinds of multi-tasking.

All in all, it is needless to say that a driver must be completely alert at all times while avoiding to engage in other activities that may distract their attention even slightly. In this case, the best advice would probably be to always wait until you reach your destination.