Are You Setting a Good Example to Stop Texting While Driving?
Distracted driving is quickly becoming the most common reason for car crashes throughout the United States. Texting while driving is one of the worse forms of distracted driving as it requires the driver to completely disengage from the task of driving. Your eyes are looking at your cell phone, at least one hand is of the steering wheel, and your mind is not on the road ahead of you.
In a matter of seconds, you can cause a horrific traffic accident that injuries or takes the lives of others. Other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and anyone else in your path is in immediate danger if you choose to ignore the warnings about texting while driving.
How Big is the Problem of Texting While Driving?
Texting while driving is not limited to teenagers. Many people believe that teenagers are the main drivers who text and drive but this is not the case. Teen drivers do make up a significant percentage of drivers who are guilty of this type of distracted driving. Thirteen percent of drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 admit to talking on a mobile device at the time of a collision. One-third of teen drivers admit to texting while driving while over one-half of teen drivers say they talk on their cell phone while driving.
Where Did Teens Learn This Behavior?
Unfortunately, many teens learn this dangerous driving behavior from their parents. One study revealed that adults are more likely to text while driving and use cell phones while driving than teen drivers. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report, 82 percent of adults between the ages of 25 and 39 admit to using their cell phone while driving while 72 percent of adults between the ages of 40 and 59 reported cell phone usage while driving. Could teens possibly be learning that it is okay to drive while distracted from their parents?
Are you teaching your children that it is okay to drive while texting or drive while distracted by other activities?
Forms of Distracted Driving?
Texting while driving is not the only form of distracted driving that adults are guilty of when their children are in the vehicle. Common forms of distracted driving that we see as Fresno car accident attorneys include:
- Eating and drinking while driving
- Using electronic devices
- Socializing with passengers
- Grooming
- Taking care of young children
- Paying attention to things passing by
- Adjusting vehicle controls
- Changing clothing
- Reading maps, papers, and other written material
The list of distractions is almost endless. Just when we believe we have heard of every possible distraction while driving, another victim contacts our office for assistance with an accident claim caused by a distracted driver.
Be Careful What You Teach Your Teen Drivers?
Children learn by example and education. Educating your teen driver about the dangers of texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving begins with setting a good example. Put down your cell phone and leave it alone until you arrive at your destination. Nothing is so important that it is worth risking your life and the lives of your family and others.
Torem & Associates Can Help
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident in Fresno, CA or the surrounding Central California Valley call our accident attorneys at (888) 500-5000. You may also chat with a representative online or use our convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys are here to help you recover compensation for your injuries while you focus on your health.
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