Distracted driving is a problem that afflicts drivers of all ages and experience levels. No driver is immune to believing they can effectively multitask while remaining safe on the road. Unfortunately, any type of distraction can pull focus from the operation of a motor vehicle and lead to devastating collisions.
Unfortunately, new drivers remain an at-risk group according to numerous national surveys. A survey by Liberty Mutual and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) found that teens felt significant pressure to stay connected at all times. This contributed to their need to use cell phones even while behind the wheel. Cell phone use can include phone conversations, texting, emailing or interacting with social networking websites such as Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Some interesting statistics to consider:
- Cell phone use while driving is highest among 16-24-year olds.
- Female drivers are more likely to be killed in a cell phone-related distracted driving accident than male drivers.
- Collisions caused by distracted driving accounted for 7% of all teen deaths in 2018.
- 256 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted teen driver in 2018.
Driving distractions typically fall into three categories – manual distractions, visual distractions and cognitive distractions. Cell phone use in general, and texting in specific, typically crosses into two or even three of the distraction categories. Texting while driving is commonly considered the most dangerous distraction.
If you were injured or have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle collision caused by a distracted driver, it is important to understand your legal rights for monetary compensation.
