Distracted Driving And Teen Driver Accidents
by King Law
When out on the road, distracted driving and driver inexperience are among the leading causes of car accidents. Put them together and you may have a recipe for tragedy. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. The study found that per mile driven, motorists age 19 and younger were three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than older drivers.
TEEN DRIVER ACCIDENTS AND DISTRACTED DRIVING
The risk of teen accidents is an ongoing issue. Just last month, 10 teens were injured in an accident after the 17-year-old driver attempted to switch seats with a passenger. Why are teens at such a high risk for car accidents? According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), teenagers are among the groups most affected by distracted driving. One study found that teens were distracted nearly one-fourth of the total time that they were behind the wheel.
Distracted driving can include actions such as:
- Using a cell phone to talk to text
- Eating or drinking
- Applying make up
- Changing clothes
- Changing the radio station
- Reaching for an item in the backseat
While the majority of actions which may constitute distracted driving are not illegal on their own, such as switching radio stations, they can still greatly increase the risk for accidents. Other actions, such as the use of a cellphone, are prohibited by law. AAA research has found that on average, drivers do not fully re-focus their attention back onto the road for 27 seconds after being distracted.
Furthermore, teens may not be able to recognize and navigate road hazards as effectively as more experienced drivers. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that distractions which lead to accidents can occur within as little as three seconds from the time a driver diverts their attention from the road. At freeway speeds of 65 mph, a vehicle can travel nearly the same distance as a football field in 3 seconds.
INJURED BY A DISTRACTED DRIVER? CALL (585) 270-8882
If you have been injured in a car accident involving a teen driver, distracted driving may have played a role. Car accidents of any kind can result in severe injuries and it is critical that your claim cover the complete cost of your damages. King Law has been helping the injured to secure monetary compensation for more than a decade. If you would like to learn more about your legal options, contact the firm’s lead Rochester personal injury attorney today.
Request a FREE consultation today and speak to an attorney about your accident.
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