Despite known dangers, teens continue to drive while distracted

March 26, 2014

Teenage drivers are a cause for concern on the road for many reasons: they lack the experience of older motorists and are more likely to engage in risky behaviors while behind the wheel. In addition, although most teenagers are aware of the hazards of distracted driving, many continue to engage in such behavior while on the road.

According to a recent survey conducted by Students Against Destructive Decisions and Liberty Mutual Insurance, 96 percent of all teenage drivers are aware that using their cellphone while behind the wheel is a distraction. In addition, over 60 percent of the teens surveyed admitted that texting while driving was an extremely or very distracting behavior.

Nevertheless, the same teenagers reported engaging in such distracting behaviors in surprising numbers. Of those surveyed, 86 percent reported that they used their cellphone and 68 percent admitted that they read or sent text messages while behind the wheel. Even 47 percent of the teens who claimed to never send text messages while driving admitted that they texted while they were at a stop sign or red light.

Distracted driving accidents claim many lives in US

These statistics are particularly alarming when considering the high toll distracted driving takes on our roads each day.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nine people lose their lives and 1,060 are injured in distracted driving collisions in the United States every day.

In total, 3,328 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers in 2012. In addition, 421,000 people suffered personal injuries in such collisions that year, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Injuries from distracted driving accidents in the U.S. increased 9 percent from 2011 to 2012.

While states have taken action to prevent such serious collisions, Pennsylvania has few limits in place to prevent distracted driving. Currently, all motorists are prohibited from texting while behind the wheel in Pennsylvania. The state has not adopted other measures common in other areas, such as bans on cellphone usage for novice drivers, which would place further restrictions on teen motorists.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving collision, you ought to be aware of your rights. In such cases, a skilled personal injury attorney will be able to advise you regarding your potential ability to recover damages to account for the harm caused in the collision.

Article provided by Rosenbaum & Associates
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