Distracted Driving Among Teen Drivers
Many teenagers look forward to getting their driver’s license. Even though most teens think about the larger degree of independence that comes with a car, this also comes with an added degree of responsibility. These responsibilities include keeping up with the maintenance of a vehicle, possessing car insurance, and refraining from texting or using a cell phone while driving. Unfortunately, it isn’t just teenagers that use cell phones while driving. According to the website Teen Safe:
- In a given year, distracted driving is cited as a contributing factor in about a quarter of all fatalities in motor vehicle accidents.
- When these accidents occur, teenagers are the most commonly cited age group that is distracted while driving (but they’re not the only ones).
- In car accidents involving teenagers, distracted driving is responsible for more than half of them.
- Distracted driving leads to close to 400,000 traumatic injuries and more than 3,400 deaths each year.
These numbers show that distracted driving has the potential to lead to serious injuries and fatalities in motor vehicle collisions.
A Study: Smart Devices and Cell Phones Behind the Wheel
A recent research paper was published that reviewed the prevalence and impact of using a cell phone while driving. The researchers conducted a thorough review of the electronic databases available and came up with dozens of studies regarding the use of cell phones while driving. Researchers then compiled all of the data into one large study and looked for patterns. Some of the overall conclusions included:
- Cell phone use is most prevalent among teenagers and has been rising in recent years.
- In the time it takes to send a text message, a car could travel the length of a football field.
- Cell phone use diverts a significant amount of attention away from the road and could result in missed changes in traffic conditions or missed roadway obstacles.
- Despite the implementation of hands-free laws, the enforcement of these laws is inconsistent.
When people use a cell phone while driving, it can result in serious auto accidents. These could lead to significant injuries.
Injuries Stemming from Distracted Driving
In accidents involving texting and driving, there are a number of different injuries that somebody could sustain. These include:
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
- Bruises and bleeds
- Soft-tissue damage to organs
These injuries could require emergent medical care and a trip to a hospital.
Watch YouTube Video: Terrifying Video Shows How Distracted Teens Can Be While Driving. This short video shows real-life scenes of teens driving distracted.
Contacting a Personal Injury Law Firm
Injuries can be severe and might place loved ones in a hospital. When this happens, families might be at a loss and could be wondering what to do next. Meeting with a personal injury lawyer can help a family review all of their options. Some of the ways that an attorney can help include:
- Reconstructing the scene of an accident to ensure that details have not been overlooked.
- Making sure that the liability has been appropriately assigned in a car accident.
- Helping families pursue damages that could be due to injuries, pain, and suffering.
- Talking with insurance companies to make sure that the maximum allowable benefit is rewarded under the policy.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. Driving while using a cell phone is hazardous in multiple ways. If you have been involved in a car accident involving distracted driving, call me today at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am pleased to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Feel free to see our verdicts or settlements here.
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Smart Devices and Distracted Driving: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: StockSnap on Pixababy. The image has been reproduced here with permission/ Smart Devices and Distracted Driving.
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