Study Shows That 1/3 of Drivers Are Texting
A recent study from the Governors Voice on Highway Safety indicates that even though there are state laws forbidding it and many published research articles about the dangers of texting and driving, as many as 1/3 of people on the road are still partaking in the habit. This is certainly not a new problem, but the proliferation of technology has helped to raise awareness about the dangers of texting and driving, just one of which is the potential for serious car accidents.
Three years ago, 28 states reported that distracted driving was a concern and something on the radar of legislators, but 40 states now report this is a critical problem on their roadways. Forty-seven states and DC actually have specific laws in place against distracted driving, and the ban of text messaging while operating a vehicle has taken a dramatic increase of 43 percent in just three years.
If you’re caught texting and driving in Texas, you could face penalties and consequences, but the actual costs of sending that message on a phone could go much farther. Texting and driving accidents are known for producing gruesome scenes and serious injuries, leaving victims to cope the rest of their lives with the aftermath of a car accident that was probably preventable.
Although there has been a general focus on texting and driving, many states are turning the focus to teens, who already faced increased accident risks as a result of their new driving skills and higher chance of distraction. Policies and programs are being used throughout the country to consider cell phone use by teens. State bans on teen cell phone usage are up by nearly 20 percent, and four new states banned teen cell phone use in early 2013.
Distracted driving can change the lives of the negligent driver and his or her victims forever. If you have been injured in a car accident because someone else was texting and driving, you may be entitled to damages. Contact your New Braunfels car accident attorney today.
