Studies Show More Young Drivers Are Texting While Driving

June 27, 2012

Studies Show More Young Drivers Are Texting While Driving

A study by the California Office of Traffic Safety found that cellphone use by teenagers and young adults behind the wheel has doubled in the past year. Overall, cellphone use while driving increased from 7.3 percent to nearly 11 percent of drivers from 2011 to 2012. But for drivers age 16 to 25, the rate exploded from 9 to 18 percent, or nearly one in five drivers. Clearly, with at least three in four American teenagers owning a cellphone, a growing number are choosing to text while driving.

Other studies are even more alarming. The Pew Research Center found that about one in three drivers ages 16 and 17 admit to texting while driving. Over half talk on their phones while behind the wheel. A University of San Diego study also found that nearly 80 percent of college students had used a phone while driving.

Distracted Driving Accident Data

Many young drivers are confident that their driving isn't affected by texting. However, experts have found that the human brain cannot manage driving and texting at the same time without sacrificing drivers' response time. Statistics show that nearly 6,000 motor vehicle accident fatalities and over half a million injuries were caused by distracted driving accidents in 2008 alone. The growing number of texting drivers suggests that cellphone and electronic device usage is a major, if not the leading cause of distracted driving accidents.

Government Action

Many states have taken action against the danger of distracted driving by passing restrictions or total bans on texting while driving and electronic device usage. Traffic tickets for texting are common in many states, including California since 2008. Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., federal safety officials are pushing for national action against the distracted driving crisis.

Unfortunately, many drivers continue to use electronic devices while driving. If you or a family member has been injured in an accident caused by a texting driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal rights.

Article provided by The Law Office of Rosenstock and Azran
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