Teens Need to Avoid Risky Distractions on the Roadways

It is a recognized fact that distracted driving habits kill many teens in California and across the nation each year. In 2015 alone, 1,972 teens died because of distracted driving, and another 99,000 were injured in motor vehicle accidents. Texting or talking are obvious distractions for teens, but other distractions include friends riding in the car, putting on music and eating while driving. Each of the distractions tends to cause drivers to look away from the road.

Inexperienced drivers are also at a higher risk for causing auto accidents. An 18-month study between 2006 and 2008 was conducted with 42 new teen drivers, and it revealed that while their driving skills were being monitored, the teens’ driving improved. They were less likely to be involved in auto accidents and avoided risky distractions. However, after the data collection stopped, many drivers became more careless behind the wheel.

Cellphone usage for any function, including hands-free, is a huge distraction for anyone, especially teens. Since 2006, studies have shown that with smartphone capabilities, there is more internet browsing and texting going on than ever before. The newer data shows that the typical text message can take 32 seconds to create and send while the driver is looking back and forth repeatedly between the road and the phone. Social media apps also cause major driver distractions on the roadways.

Auto accidents can happen to anyone and could seriously affect the lives of those involved. Victims who were injured due to the negligent or distracted driving of someone else may wish to speak to a lawyer about the possibility of receiving compensation for medical bills and other losses.