Young drivers more likely to use cellphones while behind the wheel

March 13, 2013

Young drivers more likely to use cellphones while behind the wheel

Article provided by Goicoechea Law Offices
Visit us at http://www.lawnorthwest.com/

To the parents of teenage children, the results from a national survey of drivers regarding cellphone use while on the road should come as no surprise. According to the research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more young drivers are involved in motor vehicle accidents while distracted behind the wheel. In addition, a large proportion of younger drivers answer phone calls while they are driving, rather than pulling over before responding to the call.

The research revealed that drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 are involved in practically two times as many collisions as the next highest demographic. Those young drivers report the most number of crashes and "near-crash experiences." Of the drivers surveyed, 23 percent of the drivers from 18 to 20 indicated they had been involved in either an accident or a near miss.

Young drivers not only had the highest incidence of auto accidents, that demographic also reported the most cellphone use at the time of the crash. According to the NHTSA survey, 13 percent of drivers from 18 to 20 who were involved in a car accident reported they were using their phone in some way at the time of the crash. The survey showed the behaviors the young drivers were engaged in at the time of the crash varied, such that:
-8 percent were writing an email or text message
-3 percent were reading an email or text message
-2 percent were talking on the phone

It is interesting to note that this age group did not have the highest incidence of talking on the phone when the crash occurred. Approximately 10 percent of drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 indicated they were talking on a cellphone when an accident occurred.

This data is not surprising when considering the frequency with which the younger generation uses text messaging to communicate rather than talking on the phone. In fact, the research showed that drivers under the age of 25 send more text messages while driving. In addition, 73 percent of drivers between 18 and 20 years of age continue to drive while texting -- the highest percentage of any demographic.

Unfortunately, it is likely even more dangerous for younger drivers to send text messages while on the road rather than talking on the phone with hands-free technology. According to a study conducted by Virginia Tech, when a driver sends a text message while behind the wheel the likelihood of an accident occurring increases 23 times.

Idaho distracted driving accidents

In response to the danger involved in distracted driving, most states have enacted laws prohibiting certain types of distraction. In Idaho, since July 1, 2012, all drivers have been banned from sending text messages while driving. The texting ban is a primary law, meaning law enforcement officers may pull over a driver solely for violating the texting while driving prohibition.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, consulting with a skilled Idaho personal injury attorney will ensure your rights are protected.