Easton teenager charged for deadly texting and driving accident

March 07, 2014

Getting a driver's license for the first time is an exciting milestone in every teenager's life. Nobody wants to hurt someone else in an accident, but unfortunately teenagers are a major cause of car accidents across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, teenagers are responsible for about 30 percent of the total medical costs associated with car accidents in the country. More than 2,000 teenagers are killed and 200,000 are injured in car crashes every year, more than any other cause of injury or death for this age group.

Driver inexperience can be attributed to most of these accidents, but teenagers are also known for risky driving behaviors that include showing off for friends, distraction, speeding and intoxication. Many teens also fail to use their seatbelts. People who have been driving longer have the experience to make quick decisions to avoid an accident, as well as to recognize and respond to road hazards and navigate through bad weather. Night driving is also a common problem. Newer drivers still lack these driving skills, which take time to master.

Teens who cause accidents can also face criminal charges

When a teenager disobeys safety rules and drives negligently, he or she can be held criminally accountable. Last September, a 17-year-old high school football player from Easton had been texting while driving home from practice, when he hit an elderly man walking his dog, according to the Easton Patch. The 71-year-old man and his dog were both killed. The boy was charged with speeding with death resulting, speeding and failure to stay in marked lanes.

Parents can set the example for a lifetime of safe driving habits

No parent wants to see their child involved in an accident, especially one that results in someone's injury or death, and criminal charges. Parents who set good driving examples years before their kids are old enough to drive may instill some of these good habits in their children. According to State Farm, these habits include:
- Always wearing seatbelts, and making sure passengers are buckled up before driving.
- Not driving while tired, distracted or angry.
- Never using a cell phone while driving, especially texting.

Setting a good example by following the rules of the road, including not speeding, driving aggressively or tailgatingIt's also important to communicate rules and expectations about driving before a teenager gets his or her license.

Contacting an attorney

Car crashes can cause serious injuries that may take months or even years to recover from. Victims may face insurmountable medical bills and other setbacks from lost wages and long-term therapy. If you've been injured by a negligent teenage driver, you may be eligible for the compensation of your expenses. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your rights. Remember that attorneys in Massachusetts can not mention in court that a defendant, regardless of whether it's an individual or a company, has insurance that will cover nearly every judgment.

Article provided by Colucci, Colucci, Marcus & Flavin, P.C.
Visit us at www.coluccilaw.com