Yes, there are scriptures on texting while driving (and not just on texting, but also driving while reading texts or emails, or posting/liking/pinning/tweeting/sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Reddit, Imgur, Instagram, and so forth). We are to “liken all scriptures unto us” (1 Nephi 19:23), and this subject of smartphone induced distracted driving definitely deserves some attention!

There are laws against manipulating your smartphone while driving, and there are also many tragic news stories about fatal accidents caused by texting while behind the wheel. Yet we all see it every day. And yes, some of us are doing it every day. Here’s a post to inspire and to share. Please stop endangering yourself and others if you text/read/post and drive; please speak up if you know someone who needs this message!

1. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)

Time reported on a recent study that questioned habitual texters. Almost 100% said that texting while driving is dangerous, yet a whopping 75% admitted doing it. Apparently many of us are hearers, but not doers of this important truth. If we believe that texting while driving is dangerous, we should be “doers of the word” and put our cell phones away!

2. “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” (Articles of Faith 1:12)

Almost every state has a specific law against texting and driving, and of course it’s always against the law to be reckless behind the wheel. Many states have bans on hand held devices, and some have bans on even hands-free devices for minors. Some states have particular laws, such as no cell phone use in school or construction zones (ghsa.org or distraction.gov).

3. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

Some people think that it’s dangerous for others to text and drive, but believe they can do it safely because they’re such great multitaskers. Actually, research shows that the people who think they’re the best at multitasking are often the worst. (AT&T Newsroom)

4. “O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth…”(Alma 37:35)

Texting while driving has been reported as the leading cause of death for teen drivers. (newyork.cbslocal.com) A teen in Massachusetts was in a horrible accident because of texting just 2 days after getting his license, and while there were no fatalities, the woman he hit had to be taken away by helicopter. Her leg was shattered and her foot almost taken off. (myfoxboston.com). If you’re no longer a “youth”, don’t think you can safely text and drive. One study found that drivers with decades of safe driving under their belt were more likely to cross the center line when trying to text and drive. (Washington Post)

5. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

If you don’t want your teen to text and drive, set a good example. Studies have shown that more adults are guilty of texting while driving than teens (CNN). Other reports indicate that parents set a bad example by driving while talking on the phone (48%) or texting (15%) in from of their teens. (CNN).

6. “Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell” (Alma 36:13)

Most people who fiddle with their smartphones while driving don’t believe they will kill someone, but it happens. Knowing a simple text has ended someone’s life becomes a daily torment “with the pains of hell”.  Just ask Utahn Reggie Shaw, who was texting when he killed two men, taking them away from their families and loved ones. He participated in a documentary that warns others of the dangers of distracted driving. (KSL)

6. “Let such beware and repent speedily, lest judgment shall come upon them as a snare, and their folly shall be made manifest, and their works shall follow them in the eyes of the people.” (D&C 63:15)

If someone is texting (or use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc) while driving, they’re 23 times more likely to get in an accident (CNN). They could kill someone, and go to prison because of it. Besides living with the torment that they killed someone, they will also have a record that will follow them for the rest of their life. Just stop doing it today! Repent speedily!

Massachusetts teen sentenced to prison for texting while driving (and he can’t have a driver’s license for 15 years)

Woman sentenced to 6 years in prison in fatal 2011 distracted driving case

Man sentenced to prison in texting while driving death

8. “And the Lord said unto Cain: Where is Abel, thy brother? And he said: I know not. Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)

Yes, you are your brother’s keeper to a degree, or at least the law is heading that way. Recent court rulings suggest that you could get sued for knowingly texting with someone you know is driving a car. (qz.com) Don’t text someone if you think it’s likely they would read it while driving (Even if you would never get sued, it’s the responsible thing to do.)

9. “And others will he pacify, and lull them away into …security, that they will say: All is well in Zion…” (2 Nephi 28:21)

You might think that no one you know and care about would text and drive. All is well in your circle of loved ones. If they know that you heartily disapprove, they just might not do it when you’re in the car. A recent survey indicated that young drivers were three times more likely to read texts or post to social media when they were driving alone. (safety.trw.com) (CNN) Have occasional talks with your loved ones and friends about the dangers of distracted driving, even if you think they never do it.

Watch NBC’s “My Kid Would Never Do That” Driving and Cellphones

10. “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.” (1 Cor. 4:14)

Remind your friends and family, in a spirit of caring, to pay attention on the road, and pull over somewhere safe if they simply must read that text or post that selfie. Not sure how to approach a pal who tends to text or otherwise mess with their phone while driving? Here are some articles with helpful suggestions:

5 Ways to Get Drivers to Stop Texting

What Your Teen Can Do If Someone’s Texting While Driving Them

5 ways to help your teen understand the dangers of texting and driving

Be safe!

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