Texting while driving is extremely dangerous and illegal in many places. A study found that texting increases the risk of an accident by 23 times compared to non-distracted driving. Teenagers are most likely to text and drive, which has led to many accidents and deaths, especially during prom and graduation season. While most drivers and teens recognize the risks, many still engage in the dangerous behavior and do not speak up when others do. Enforcement of laws against using phones while driving varies by jurisdiction but aims to reduce accidents and save lives.

1. Texts lead to wrecks Image by Dickson@flickr Texting while driving: a dangerous epidemic

2. From February to December in 2010 45,975 tickets were handed out to Ontario drivers who were distracted while operating motor vehicles. July 1 2008 Quebec banned the use of hand-held cell phone devices while driving: 93, 845 tickets have been issued since then. Image by Slaup

3. In a recent survey done by TNS Canadian Facts drivers were dividedover whether or not cell phone use should be outlawed while driving. 67 % Stated that the outlawing would not be obeyed by drivers 42 % Opposed to banning phone use while driving Image by Insight Imaging: John A Ryan Photography

4. Q: Are you in support of the ACTIVE LAWS against hand held use of cell phones while driving? Image by tswarts

5. There is a clear divide between generations… 58 %of elderly population believe that all forms of cell phone use should be ban while driving. While only 28% of the young population

6. Researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that… ….texting while driving was even MORE dangerous than being under the influence or alcohol. Increasing your risk of having an accident by seven. Image by Gizzypooh

7. A study Conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that text messaging keeps a driver’s eye off of the road for 4.6 seconds over a six-second period. They also found that texting was 23xmore dangerous than non-distracted driving. According to the New York Times drivers typically look at their hand held devices, at highway speeds, long enough to cover a football field. Image by Joe Dunckley

8. Recklessness has caused numerouscar accidents and DEATHS related incidents in the driving age group of 16-20, the largest texting demographics. Image by OregonDOT

9. Q: How would you feel if you noticed your bus driver using their mobile device while driving? Image by JHop

10. CBC News Canada reports The Toronto Transit Commission has fired THREE bus drivers for using mobile devices while operating transit vehicles. Image by Clifford Howard

11. The Allstate Foundations recent survey report that texting while driving is the biggest distraction behind the wheel for American teens. 82% of teens report using cell phones while driving 23% admit to drinking and driving

12. According to data collected by the Insurance Institute Highway Safety, more teenagers die on May 20ththan any other days of the year. May 20th, over the past five years, has claimed 63% more lives than any average day Prom and graduation season…almost summer vacation… celebrations and late nights. Image by Onkel wart

13. Q: Do you feel SAFEdriving with friends? Would you speak up? Image by Bruce Berrien

14. Allstate found…. …that 77 %of teens admit feeling unsafe with another teen’s driving BUT… BUT… Only59% of teens will speak up Image by jk5854

15. Q: Are you willing to accept the consequences? Up to $500 dollars in fines… … 90 days in jail… Image by State Records NSW

16. …or even worse, death. 500,000people are injured and 6,000are killed each year due to talking, texting and email behind the wheel. Image by Kodama

17. Q: Did you know that if a driver is…? Unimpaired -0.54 seconds to brake Legally Drunk -Add 4 feet to brake Sending a Text -Add 70 feet to brake Reading an E-Mail -Add 36 feet to brake Image by Randall Richards Data provided by Car and Driver Magazine

18. When texting while driving your ability to steer is reduced by 91% Image by Robert S. Donovan

19. The Simple Solution… It’s Not Worth The Risk… Avoid Distractions.. Turn Off your phones… It CANhappen to you. Image by Jean WichinoskiFotografia

20. Credits All images are licensed under the Creative Commons Non-Commercial Share and sourced from flickr. Imagine by Beadmobile