On Friday, the police department posted on Facebook a photo of a car that collided with a John Deere tractor on a local interstate. Part of the tractor ended up on the railing of the interstate. The post has received more than 1,700 responses since it was posted Friday afternoon.
“Distracted driving has serious consequences,” SAPD wrote in a social media post. “Be aware of the road when driving.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving caused 3,142 deaths in 2020. According to NHTSA, distracted driving is defined as any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on a cell phone, eating, and talking to locals. vehicle, or adjust audio, entertainment or navigation systems.
“Texting is the most worrisome distraction,” NHTSA wrote. “Sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. Driving at 55 miles per hour is like driving a football field with your eyes closed.”
Social media reactions to the post included some sharing experiences of distracted driving, and some calling for harsher penalties for those caught distracted driving.
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“Five years ago, I was rear-ended twice by someone on Facebook at 1604 at 50+ mph,” Ilonka Hopson wrote in response to the post. “After many surgeries and physical therapy, I will never be the same again.”
“The other day I saw a constable in and out of his driveway. Turns out he was on the phone,” another commented.
In Texas, hand-held devices are prohibited while driving in school crossing areas and on public school property. Bus drivers with underage passengers and drivers under the age of 18 are also banned from using mobile phones while driving. Drivers in Texas are also not allowed to text.
SAPD did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Police did not release details of the crash.
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