Teen Drivers Know About the Dangers of Texting and Driving But Many Still Do It
The latest survey about texting and driving shows that 98% of drivers understand the dangers of texting and driving – statistically, it just as dangerous as drinking and driving – but those drivers chose to text and drive regardless of the increased risk of injury or death. A new report shows that teenagers are no exception, even if their parents teach them not to engage in risky behavior.
A survey conducted through Online Schools reported that 55% of teenagers and young adult drivers claim that texting and driving is “easy,” while 34% admitted to having texted while driving.
Of the teenagers and young adults surveyed, 48% said they had seen their parents talking on the phone while driving, so there is some indication that parents’ rules are too often “do as I say and not as I do.” For soon-to-be drivers to learn best practices for the road, parents must practice those rules themselves.
Distracted driving is not limited to texting and driving or talking on the phone. Many states, including South Carolina, define distracted driving as anything that takes the driver’s eyes away from the road, including changing the radio station, putting on makeup, and eating in the car.
Texting and driving or talking on the phone are two forms of distracted driving that are the most deadly and, unfortunately, the most common. More than 3,000 teenagers die each year because of texting and driving accidents. Many teenagers will agree to the “It Can Wait” Pledge, sponsored by AT&T, but the temptation still arises anytime someone hears the text alert while driving. In too many unfortunate cases, the text or phone call that led to the distracted driving accident was from a parent or guardian.
“By texting and driving as parents, we are doing a tremendous disservice to our kids,” said Diana Graber, co-founder of the digital literacy site CyberWise.org. “We must remember that every time we do that, a child is watching. Maybe it’s a child that’s not even watching yet, but they’re going to remember that’s a behavior we condoned.”
“We’re creating this culture where we disconnect from our phones even when we are transporting children around, and I think that’s really where it happens,” she said of her organization. “It trickles down from the top.”
The Strom Law Firm Helps Those Injured by Distracted Drivers, Including Texting and Driving
If you have been injured by a driver who was texting and driving, or talking on the phone, the South Carolina accident attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, L.L.C. will fight for fair compensation for your injuries. Our South Carolina Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers are prepared to fight for compensation in the courtroom and will defend your right to compensation for your past and future medical bills, lost wages and future earnings, your pain and suffering, and, in the event of a fatal car accident, even wrongful death. Our attorneys offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your personal injury case caused by distracted driving, so contact us today. 803.252.4800.
