In 2011, the Houston Fire Department responded to more than 30 thousand vehicle related accidents, transporting more than 8 thousand individuals to the hospital and reporting more than 30 individuals dead on arrival. Statistics indicate that distracted driving contributes to as much as 20 percent of all fatal crashes and that cell phone use is the main culprit.

“Just like most fires, the majority of motor vehicle accidents are preventable,” said Fire Chief Terry Garrison. “We want to encourage citizens to be safe on the road and remember that distraction can lead to disaster.”

According to a recent study by the Texas Transportation Institute – Center for Transportation Safety, texting doubles a driver’s reaction time and reports that these drivers were more than 11 times likely to miss a flashing light while texting. The results of an accident from a distracted driver can have a lifetime of consequences.

State Farm Insurance statistics also indicate that drivers who text have a greater chance of getting into an accident. Drivers who text and drive are six times more likely to get into an accident than drivers who refrain from texting while driving.