Texting and driving for new drivers as well as seasoned drivers is a huge problem, and why so many people have campaigned against texting and driving.
Surprisingly, a new study by AAA concluded over 15% of teens in crashes over the last eight years was distracted by a passenger in the vehicle.
Here is the study’s overall conclusion for the top 3 causes of more than 2, 200 teen accidents examined:
- Passenger distraction- 15% of accidents
- Texting or talking on the phone- 12%
- Looking at/for something in vehicle- 11 %
National statistics show that we are entering the 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers.
AAA coined the phrase “100 Deadliest Days” as the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend because, statistically, this is the time period for the highest number of teen car crashes. School just let out, summer is in full swing, and teens are taking full advantage of their summer freedom.
For teens, parents, and other drivers, we should all proceed with caution during these “deadly” days and educate our young drivers on vehicle safety.
Here’s what we can do to get through the upcoming days:
- Have the discussion with your kids. Talk to your kids about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. They’ve heard it time and time again, but having an open conversation and talking about what could happen may make them think twice.
- Set a good example. Children learn life’s lessons by seeing their parents’ actions and reactions. If they see you texting, talking on the phone, using your camera, etc. while driving they may think it is okay too.
- If you and your child are running errands together, let them drive so you can continue coaching and teaching. The more you do this, the more relaxed they’ll feel with you in the car and be more likely to accept your advice and tips.
- Out of sight, out of mind. A good rule to teach young drivers is that a phone being out of sight will be “out of mind”, and they’ll feel less obligated to read texts or answer phone calls.
- Limit the number of passengers. Parents cannot always monitor the number of passengers in their child’s car, but limiting the number allowed in their vehicle will increase the chance of safer trips on the road.
We all have to start somewhere as new drivers but those who learn early and consistently will be more successful and safe drivers in the future. As parents, we have an obligation to make sure our own children and other drivers will be safe on the road.
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident due to another’s negligence, you need to call me immediately.
As your Ohio car accident lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities.” You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.