The use of cell phones and text messaging has grown exponentially in recent years.  Unfortunately, the dangers of texting while driving have also grown.

Texting has increasingly become the way to communicate for many people and the impulse to quickly read and respond to messages, even while driving, can be tempting.  The statistics on the risks of texting and driving are clear -- when drivers send electronic text messages while driving, their attention is diverted from the road, making them 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident, according to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.  A recent study found that 26% of American teen drivers admit they have texted while driving, and 48% of teens ages 12 to 17 say they have been a passenger while a driver has sent a text message.1

Texting while driving not only poses a hazard to other drivers, passengers and pedestrians, it is illegal.  The message to all wireless users is simple: Don't text and drive!  The City of Santee encourages everyone to take the following pledge:

• Be smart.  Don't text and drive.  No text message is worth getting into an accident.
  
• Be in control.  You decide if and when to send and read a text message so take control.  Consider turning off your phone, setting it to silent or set it aside before hitting the road.
  
• Be caring.  Don't send a text message to someone who you know is driving.
  
• Be an example.  Don't send the wrong signal by texting while you drive.  Others will follow your example.

1 Mary Madden and Amanda Lenhart, "Teens and Distracted Drivers," Pew Internet & American Life Project, November 2009.  Available at: http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/Teens-and-Distracted-Driving.aspx