Survey shows adults guilty of texting while driving more often than teens

April 23, 2013

Survey shows adults guilty of texting while driving more often than teens

Article provided by Phelan Law Office
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Despite nationwide efforts to spread awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, a new study from AT&T has revealed that many Americans continue to participate in these risky behaviors. Not only is it more common than one might imagine, the research showed that adults are actually guilty of driving while distracted by cellphones more often than teenagers.

According to the survey, 49 percent of adults text while behind the wheel -- in comparison, 43 percent of teens reported that they engaged in this dangerous behavior. Unfortunately, the statistics show that the number of people texting while driving has actually been increasing, as six out of 10 motorists claimed to never text while behind the wheel in 2010.

Although the survey showed that almost 50 percent of adults text while driving, a staggering 98 percent of the adults surveyed admitted that they understood that driving while distracted was dangerous.

The reasons people provide for driving while distracted despite knowing the risks involved, include:
-Feeling a need to respond quickly
-Wanting to be more productive
-Needing to feel connected

In addition, many adult drivers reported that they felt that texting while driving was now second nature for them. With this information in hand, AT&T has focused on promoting its "Texting and Driving...It Can Wait" campaign across the country. The campaign asks motorists to sign a pledge, agreeing not to text while driving.

Avoid serious distracted driving accidents in Washington

In addition to national campaigns, many states have enacted laws prohibiting certain types of distracted driving in an effort to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers.

In Washington, all motorists are prohibited from texting while behind the wheel. In addition, drivers in Washington are not allowed to use handheld cellphones while driving. Washington law also prohibits novice drivers from using any type of cellphone -- including those equipped with hands-free technology -- while on the road.

These laws are meant to reduce the number of people killed in distracted driving accidents each year, which has been on the rise recently. In 2010, 3,267 people were killed in such collisions -- in 2011, that figure rose to 3,331. In addition, 387,000 people sustained personal injuries in distracted driving accidents in 2011.

When someone is injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a distracted driver, he or she may be entitled to damages for the harm caused. Seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney will ensure your rights are protected in such a situation.