You may have seen the bumper sticker on the driver’s ed cars as you are out on Connecticut roads. The sticker that reads “Student Driver” is an indication that there is training going on for another teen driver to take the wheel. While students will learn how to parallel park, when to signal, and how to approach stop signs, they may also learn a thing or two about distracted driving.
Distracted driving among teens is a serious problem which led to nearly 3,500 deaths in a three year span of time between 2013 and 2017 according to the AAA Foundation. These deaths were attributed to a variety of distracted driving behaviors including the use of alcohol while operating a vehicle.
One behavior that led to a large percentage of these crashes was texting while driving. According to the study nearly 2,000 of the 3,500 deaths can be attributed to the use of phones by teens while driving.
A survey of teens found that 52% of drivers between the ages of 15 and 18 admitted to reading a text message or an email while driving. This number is alarming to say the least. The number of teens who have sent a text or an email while driving is also alarming at 40%. These numbers included teen drivers who had learner’s permits, restricted, or full driver’s licenses.
Parents can help reduce or eliminate this behavior by modeling good behavior while they are driving. Placing your phone in a locked compartment while driving and not checking it at red lights or in traffic are critical to demonstrating positive driving behavior to your teens. Parents can also help by not texting or calling their children when they know they will be driving.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Connecticut auto accident and believe the driver was distracted while driving, document your injuries by seeing a medical professional and then contact the attorneys at CT Injury Lawyers to begin an investigation into your case.
