Teenage Texting: A Roadway Danger

A new survey shows many teens do not consider texting while driving to be a serious safety threat. Learn more about this harmful attitude and the dangers of texting behind the wheel.

2011-04-29

April 29, 2011 (Press-News.org) Teenage Texting: A Roadway Danger

Distracted driving takes a heavy toll on our nation's highways: according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, over 5,000 motorists are killed every year in crashes that involve driver distraction. Texting while driving is an especially dangerous form of distraction, as it involves taking your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road and your mind off of driving. Teens are not only more likely to text, they are also more inexperienced behind the wheel: drivers under the age of 21 are involved in three times as many accidents as their older counterparts. Despite the compounded danger teenagers face from texting while driving, a new survey shows a widespread cavalier attitude about the risky practice.

Missing the Danger

A recent poll conducted by the Consumer's Union uncovered a troubling trend among youthful drivers. Compared to older individuals, teens are much less likely to consider the use of a handheld electronic device when operating a motor vehicle to be a safety threat. According to the survey, 63 percent of youths admitted they drive while using a cell phone, and almost a third reported they had sent text messages from behind the wheel.

The Transportation Department has partnered with Consumer Reports to help combat this dangerous attitude by distributing and promoting an educational guide on distracted driving. The Transportation Department has also released a series of videos aimed at showcasing the tragic consequences for victims of distracted driving.

Florida Law

In Florida, there is no law specifically banning texting while driving (although a number of bills are currently being considered by the state legislature). However, texting behind the wheel is the cause of numerous accidents, injuries and even deaths: nearly a fifth of distracted driving fatalities involve cell phone use. Even though texting and driving is not illegal in Florida, when a driver causes an accident by texting, he or she may be held liable for any resulting property damage, injury or wrongful death.

The consequences of sending and receiving text messages behind the wheel can be devastating. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.

Article provided by The Crash Firm
Visit us at www.thecrashfirm.com

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