With distracted driving becoming a leading cause of teen driver accidents, we decided to create this infographic to help new drivers become aware of the dangers associated with driving while texting.

Every day in the United States, more than 9 people are killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, and 1,060 people are injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. About 3,300 people are killed in crashes involving a distracted driver each year, and 18 percent of crashes in which someone is injured involves a distracted driver.

There are three main types of driving distractions. The first is visual, in which a driver takes his or her eyes off the road. Another are manual distractions, which involve a driver, taking his or her hands off the wheel. Cognitive distractions occur when the driver takes his or her focus off of driving.

Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous (and contributing) factors to automobile crashes and fatalities. Texting while driving combines all three types of distractions; it takes a driver’s attention and visual focus away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field, distracted!

By raising awareness of this important issue, we hope to do our part in helping drivers understand the importance of remaining focused and safe on the road.

Infographic by practice permit test