Two and a half million. That’s how many traffic accidents occur every year in the United States.
Nearly two thirds, or 64 percent to be exact, are caused in some way by a cell phone.
In 2014, 3,179 people died in the United States as a result of a driver being distracted.
These are obviously bleak figures. And Matt Reeves could’ve been a part of them. But the then 17-year-old survived the car crash. In September 2016, he was driving his mother’s car. Then, according to the WXYZ Detroit, Matt reached for his cell phone while sitting behind the wheel.
Matt was driving when his phone suddenly fell — and ended up under the pedals.
It was about to end really badly.
Matt realized immediately decided to pick up his phone. But instead of pulling over, he made a stupid decision — he kept driving and reached down for his phone.
He shouldn’t have done that.
“I didn’t feel like it would be that long to grab it, but when I came up it was too late,” Matt told WXYZ Detroit.
This family is hoping their tragic experience can prevent another similar accident from happening
Posted by Shareably on Monday, September 3, 2018
The vehicle in front of him was waiting to make a turn — and Matt crashed into it.
“I saw the rear end of the black SUV and I just remember hitting it really hard.”
The collision was horrific, but Matt was lucky. The SUV was driven by a nurse, who rushed to Matt’s side to care for him until the ambulance arrived.
Matt had fractures in his nose, jaw, skull and eye socket, as well a severe concussion, an injured shoulder and a deep gash in his forehead.
Matt later said that he regrets what he did and acknowledges it could’ve been much worse.
When he decided to take his eyes off the road, he could’ve killed someone.
Message from Matt’s mom: Turn off your cell phone
On Facebook, Matt’s mother, Linda, chose to share her son’s story. She wants more people to think about the danger of using phones while driving.
“Put the damn phones off and in a place you can’t be tempted to reach for it. Matt was lucky. This could have had a different outcome.”
Now help us do our part of the job and SHARE this important message!
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