The minimal amount of time one’s eyes are off the road while texting and driving is five seconds. If traveling at 55 mph, this equals driving the length of a football field. Thirty-nine states have banned texting and driving, but even with laws in place, approximately 330,000 injuries happen every year in the United States because drivers continue to text while their vehicle is in motion. Injuries range from minor to severe, and include: Whiplash – This injury is caused by an abrupt backward and/or forward jerking of the head..