Texting Behind the Wheel Common Despite Efforts at Reduction

July 07, 2012

Texting Behind the Wheel Common Despite Efforts at Reduction

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a campaign in June 2012 aimed at reducing distracted driving. The initial $2.4 million grant for pilot projects in California and Delaware will increase enforcement of distracted driving laws and initiate strong public education campaigns.

In a statement, NHTSA Secretary Ray LaHood called distracted driving an "epidemic" despite the growing awareness of the dangers it poses. "While we've made progress in the past three years by raising awareness about this risky behavior, the simple fact is people are continuing to be killed and injured -- and we can put an end to it," LaHood continued.

Laws Prohibiting Texting While Driving

Texting is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, as it takes the driver's eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and attention away from driving. A study by Monash University found that drivers simply using a handheld device are four times as likely to injure themselves in an accident; texting while driving increases the risk of crashing by 23 times.

Most states now ban texting while driving. In fact, only 11 states have no laws on the books for teenage texting and driving. West Virginia was the most recent state to enact a ban on texting while driving, with enforcement just having begun on July 1, 2012. Unlike some states, the West Virginia ban is still a secondary offense, meaning a driver must be pulled over for some other activity, such as speeding, before receiving a ticket for texting while driving. However, beginning July 2013 it will be a primary offense, meaning an officer can pull over any driver for texting while driving.

Texting Still Common, Especially Among Teens

Despite these measures, 58 percent of teens admitted to texting behind the wheel in a recent government survey. Even more alarming, a Pew survey revealed 40 percent of teens admitted to being in a car in a dangerous situation caused by distracted driving. And while teens are the most likely age group to engage in texting while driving, distracted driving is not limited to any demographic or specific activity. In 2010, 3092 people lost their lives to distracted driving and approximately 416,000 additional people were injured.

If you have been in an accident in which you suspect the other driver was distracted, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and possible compensation.

Article provided by Law Offices of Kelly R. Reed, PLLC
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