For many Californians, driving is a pleasurable experience. Cruising up and down the coast with the top down is a great way to spend a Sunday morning. For others, driving in California is a nightmare. Heavy traffic and distracted drivers can easily make someone fume.
Distracted driving is a serious problem. In fact, a recent study showed distracted driving among teen drivers should make us all terrified to be on the road. Even experienced drivers who get distracted get into accidents. For teens, the combination of inexperience and texting heightens their chances of getting into an accident.
Why Texting and Driving is So Dangerous
Study after study after study has shown that texting while driving is extremely dangerous. As a result of these studies, many states have banned the use of mobile phones while driving a vehicle, though some states make texting a secondary offense.
Texting while driving impairs drivers by distracting them in three different ways all at once:
- Visual - Taking eyes off the road
- Manual - Taking hands off the wheel
- Cognitive - Taking attention away from driving
40% of Teens Admit to Texting and Driving
The survey took place in 35 states, 34 of which ban texting while driving under the age of 21. 40% of those surveyed admitted to texting while driving at least once in the prior month.
This is a truly terrifying statistic. With an increased number of vehicles on the road and an increased number of teenage drivers, you’re bound to have a run in with one sooner or later. Your Santa Monica car accident lawyers have seen firsthand the dangers of distracted teen drivers.
What Can You Do?
Parents can help reduce the likelihood of distracted driving, as can other drivers. If teens are on the road and see someone next to them texting while driving, they’ll think it’s acceptable, too.
If you must take a call or text while you’re in the car with your child, use hands-free technology. Connect your phone to your car so you can take a call without taking your hands off the wheel. However, this is still not ideal as the conversation is also a distraction.
The best example you can set is to keep your phone out of sight and earshot while driving. If your phone is in the trunk or out of reach, your child will notice that you refuse to prioritize texting over safety. Every text can wait.
Call Your Santa Monica Car Accident Lawyer
Even if you have taken precautions as a defensive driver yourself and set a good example for your teen driver, you may still find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a car accident. When that happens, first call 911, then call Steinberg Injury Lawyers, your Santa Monica car accident lawyers.
Our clients trust us to help them get through difficult and sometimes painful times in their life. We can help you get the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on your recovery. Let the Santa Monica Car Accident lawyers handle the legal work.
Contact us today at 1-800-350-8888 for a free, no obligation evaluation of your case to see how we can help you move forward.
