Are You Getting Your Teenager a Cell Phone for Christmas?
If you are purchasing a cell phone or even a new cell phone for your teenager this Christmas, you need to be aware of some startling facts about teen drivers.
Researchers found that distraction and teen driver crashes were worse than previously thought. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted research involving video analysis of teen drivers. According to the research, distraction was a factor in 58 percent of teen crashes. This number is four times the number of accidents estimated from police reports. The NHTSA had previously estimated that only 14 percent of crashes by teen drivers involved distraction. The study showed that 12 percent of the crashes involved cell phone use. In another study, the AAA Foundation found that use of electronic devices by newly licensed teen drivers was the most common distraction.
Did you know that:
- Roughly 70 percent of teen drivers admit to talking on a cell phone while driving during the past month;
- Over one-half of teens surveyed said they read text messages or emails while driving during the past 30 days;
- Ninety-four percent of drivers between the ages of 17 and 26 keep their cell phone one while driving; and,
- Eighty percent of teen drivers believe they are safer-than-average drivers who do not believe distracted driving puts them at risk.
What Can You Do to Reduce the Risk for Your Teen Driver?
One way to reduce the risk is to educate your teen driver about the dangers of distracted driving. You might not believe your teenager is listening, but they do hear what you say to them. You need to keep reminding your teen driver of the dangers of using a cell phone and other electronic devices while driving. AT&T’s “It Can Wait” campaign has materials and information you can use and so does the NHTSA.
Another effective way to reduce the risk of an accident because of a cell phone is to use available technology to lock cell phones while teens are driving. There are several apps that can help parents control the use of cell phones while driving or at least know when their teen driver breaks the “no cell phone use while driving” rule. In addition, some newer car models have features that block cell phone use while the car is in motion. You might want to contact your local car dealer to inquire about features you can add to your teen’s current vehicle to prevent cell phone use while driving.
Call A Fresno Car Accident Attorney if Your Teen Driver is Injured in a Car Accident
Many people are quick to rush to judgment when a teen driver is involved in a car accident. However, the teen driver is not always the driver who caused the accident. Our Fresno car accident attorneys can investigate the cause of the crash to determine if your teen driver is unfairly accused of causing the crash.
Call Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a Fresno car accident attorney. We have two new offices for your convenience at 3649 W. Beechwood Ave., #104, Fresno, CA 93711 and 4557 Quail Lakes Drive, Stockton, CA 95207.
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