A new study shows what many personal injury attorneys and law enforcement officers already knew: Distracted driving is a serious issue with teen drivers. In fact, it is the top cause of car accidents for teens. Keep reading to learn more about what this study has revealed and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
California Highway Patrol Calls on Motorists to Take Action
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued a press release in which they called on motorists throughout California to “Silence the Distractions” when they are behind the wheel. Working with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Impact Teen Drivers (ITD), the goal was to raise awareness of just how dangerous distracted driving can be. State Troopers and other members of law enforcement were tasked with cracking down on drivers who violated the hands-free law.
The Statistics About Distracted Driving May Scare You
The facts about distracted driving are chilling, to say the least. In 2017 there were 66 people who died in car accidents, and another 6,5000 injured, in which distracted driving was a known cause. Last year, in 2018, the California Highway Patrol issued upwards of 109,000 citations for drivers who violated the hands-free cell phone laws, and in the same year OTS found that about 4.5% of drivers were seen using a cell phone unlawfully while driving.
Parents Beware: Distracted Driving is the Top Cause of Car Accidents Involving Teenagers
No parent is likely to be happy to hear that according to ITD, distracted driving is the top cause of car accidents involving teens. This is why ITD has created a campaign to remind teens to keep both hands on the wheel, to keep both eyes on the road, and to stay focused on driving. They also warn teens riding as passengers to be alert – nearly half of the teen fatalities in car accidents were teen passengers of teen drivers.
Texting While Driving is a Triple Threat
It is always dangerous to yourself and others if you drive while distracted. However, if you drive while texting you are essentially a trip threat. Why? Because texting requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention. That said, remember that many other activities can be life-changing distractions, such as eating behind the wheel, talking to passengers, or looking for something in the backseat.
If you have been injured in a car accident in which another driver was distracted, you may qualify for compensation for your damages. The best way to find out what your options are is to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation. We will go over the basics of your case and let you know how we believe you can best proceed.
