Adult drivers text more than teens, survey finds

May 10, 2013

When people talk about the distracted driving epidemic currently plaguing the nation, teen drivers are often portrayed as the worst offenders, particularly where texting while driving is concerned. However, a recent survey found that adults are actually somewhat more likely to text while driving than teens -- despite the fact that a vast majority of them know it's wrong.

According to an online survey conducted recently by AT&T, 43 percent of teen drivers with cellphones admit to texting while driving. Among adult drivers with cellphones, the rate was even higher, with 49 percent admitting to texting while driving. What's more, despite these admissions, 98 percent of adults acknowledged that texting while driving is wrong.

What may be even more alarming than these bare statistics is the fact that 60 percent of adults responding to the survey said that they never texted while driving just three years ago. This information suggests that the problem of texting while driving among adults may still be growing worse, despite countless efforts to educate drivers about the risks and consequences of distracted driving.

The results of the survey suggest that although the message is indeed getting through to most adult drivers about the dangers of texting while driving, it has not been enough to make them to change their behavior in many cases.

Distracted driving in Texas

In 2012, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, distracted driving contributed to 90,378 Texas traffic accidents -- or nearly 25 percent of all crashes in the state. As a result of those accidents, 453 people died and another 18,468 suffered serious injuries.

To help address the issue of distracted driving in Texas, state lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would ban texting while driving. Teens and other novice drivers are already prohibited from using hand-held mobile devices under state law, but the proposed law would extend the texting ban to drivers of all ages and experience levels. Governor Rick Perry vetoed a similar measure in 2012 after it was approved by the Texas Legislature.

If the proposed texting ban becomes law, violators would receive a misdemeanor traffic citation and fined $100. The ban would not apply to talking on a hand-held cellphone or operating a GPS device.

Legal help for Texas crash victims

People who are injured or lose a loved one due to another driver's negligence in Texas may be eligible to receive compensation for the injuries and financial losses they have suffered as a result of the crash. Potential recovery may include compensation for lost income, financial support, medical bills, funeral costs and other expenses.

People interested in pursuing a claim for compensation after a Texas vehicle accident should contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to learn more about the options that might be available.

Article provided by Scott H. Palmer, P.C.
Visit us at www.scottpalmerpilawyer.com