3 ways police identify texting and driving behaviors

Texting and driving cause many accidents on roadways and freeways all over the United States, and in some cases, texting while behind the wheel has deadly consequences. The dangers of this action, according to insurance.com, are the reason that more than 40 states now ban texting and driving completely.

Those who still practice this unsafe habit usually try to conceal it while behind the wheel; however, local and state authorities still have several ways of identifying drivers who cannot put their phones away.

1. Screen glow

Those who drive and text at night usually give themselves away by the glow their smartphone screen gives off. Even cars with tinted windows may not completely hide the light.

2. Diverted sight direction

Depending on where drivers might keep their phones, their eyes may drop or shift to the side as they read texts. Because drivers usually keep their eyes facing forward to focus on traffic, this diversion may alert a police officer that a driver’s attention is on a phone, not on the other vehicles nearby.

3. Jerky vehicle movements

As motorists who text and drive become more involved in a conversation than operating their cars, they may brake or hit the gas suddenly, causing erratic driving patterns. This may cause a police officer to perform a traffic stop to ensure the safety of other drivers in the area and result in fines for those who insist on texting while behind the wheel.

Authorities may also use cameras and other monitoring devices to catch those texting and driving. Tickets and fines may also result in a rise in auto insurance premiums.