Distracted Driving in Florida Is on the Rise

August 05, 2012 (Press-News.org) "Just text me." How many times have you heard a conversation end with those words? Sending text messages has become an increasingly common method of communication. What began as a trend among teenagers and 20-somethings has increased in popularity across age brackets in recent years.

New research shows the expectations associated with sending text messages differ from other forms of communication. A study conducted by AT&T showed that after sending a text message, 89 percent of teens believed they should receive a reply in five minutes or less. The immediacy of text messaging has led to a dangerous and marked increase in the number of motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving.

In Florida alone, there are thousands of accidents each year due to distracted driving, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, or DHSMV.

Based on the most recent statistics compiled by the DHSMV, in 2010 Florida had seven fatal accidents, 1,474 accidents that caused injuries and 542 accidents that resulted in vehicle and/ or property damage as a result of distracted driving.

Texting While Driving Still Common Among Teens

Despite the known dangers associated with texting while driving, studies show that teens continue to send text messages while behind the wheel.

The AT&T study revealed that 43 percent of teens admitted to sending text messages while driving, although 75 percent of them acknowledged texting while driving was very dangerous. Texting is a particularly dangerous form of driver distraction as it requires drivers to remove their hands from the wheel, look away from the road and concentrate on an activity besides driving.

Teenagers also reported that they see adults texting while driving "all the time." Of the teens surveyed, 41 percent said they had seen their parents send an email or text message while driving.

State Bans May Help Reduce Accidents

In an effort to reduce the number of accidents caused by cellphone use, many states have enacted laws prohibiting texting while driving.

According to a survey conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, people are less likely to use phones while driving in states that have enacted laws prohibiting handheld cellphone use.

Florida is one of the few states that has yet to pass such a law. Thus far, 35 states and the District of Columbia have enacted bans on texting while driving.

If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, contacting a skilled personal injury attorney will ensure your rights are protected.

Article provided by Babbitt, Johnson, Osborne & Le Clainche, P.A.
Visit us at www.babbitt-johnson.com/