How Dangerous is Texting Behind the Wheel?

Living in the U.S. as an immigrant can be like trying to balance on a tightrope. You go about living your life, and one false move can put your dreams of becoming a citizen in jeopardy. Texting behind the wheel is illegal in almost every state in the United States, yet it’s one of those crimes that people tend to think will not have negative consequences for them. Most people who engage in texting and driving don’t think that they will be involved in an accident. However, recent studies have shown that texting behind the wheel causes more impairment than alcohol. In other words, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it is more dangerous to text and drive than it is to drink and drive.

According to the NHTSA, in 2012 alone, 3,328 people were killed in distracted driving crashes. Imagine how it might feel to look up from having sent a quick text to let your wife know that you’re on the way home and see that you are crashing into the car in front of you? It is not worth the accidents, injuries and possible death it might cause to allow yourself to be distracted by your phone when you are driving.

You understand the dangers of drinking and driving, but there are also serious dangers to texting and driving. We recommend for your safety and the safety of the other motorists and pedestrians on the road that you put down your phone and drive.

A criminal charge is a serious matter for anyone, but if you are an immigrant who wants to become a U.S. citizen you become concerned about how even seemingly minor offenses may affect your eligibility for citizenship. If you have been charged with texting and driving or any other violation, you will want to meet with an experienced Nashville criminal defense attorney who also understands immigration law. He will inform you of your rights and advise you on how you can proceed to protect your future.