The statistics on the dangers of texting and driving are alarming. Even if you are not the one texting and driving, those who choose to engage in this dangerous activity are not only gambling with their own safety, but yours as well.

We have highlighted many statistics in our other blogs about texting while driving – now we are going to show you some statistics look at other aspects of teenagers texting while driving.

• The Pew Internet & American Life project found that in 2010, texting while driving increased 50 percent in one year, and two out of ten drivers say they’ve sent text messages or emails while behind the wheel. The teens surveyed texted while driving despite the ongoing efforts by states to ban the practice.
• Of all cell phone related tasks, including talking, dialing, or reaching for the phone, texting while driving is the most dangerous.
• AT&T Teen Driver Survey found that 97 percent of teens say texting while driving is dangerous — yet 43 percent admit to doing so.
• The survey also found that many adults who tell their teens not to text and drive are guilty of this bad habit as well.
• The pressure to respond: Almost all teens (nine out of ten) expect a reply to a text or email within five minutes or less.

Many companies, organizations and celebrities have worked to create awareness on texting and driving. Oprah has encouraged her viewers and guests to take the “No Phone Zone Pledge.” Many of her celebrity guests have taken the pledge, encouraging other viewers to do the same.

Cellular provider AT&T has launched several commercials that focus on the devastation texting and driving can have. Their campaign “textng & driving…It can wait” asks people to pledge that they will not text and drive. Their focus message is that “no text is worth dying for.” There are numerous apps that you can download for your phone that temporarily limit the features of your mobile phone so you focus on driving. These apps can also send auto-replies and lets people know you are driving and you will get back to them once you are done driving.

We encourage everyone to take the pledge and stop texting while driving. It is everyone’s best interest to put the phone down – the life you save could be your own.