Texting While Driving Now Leading Cause of Death For Teens

According to a new study by the Cohen Children’s Medical Center, nearly 3,000 teens die each year from traffic accidents from texting and 300,000 are injured from texting. Distracted driving, not drunk driving, is now the leading cause of death for teen drivers. It is estimated that 2,700 die each year from alcohol-related auto accidents.

The NHTSA acknowledged that the use of handheld technology is a growing hazard. Forty-nine percent of boys admit to texting while driving and 45% of girls admit to the same. Distracted driving can impair a driver’s focus as much as being under the influence of alcohol.

Teen drivers are inexperienced with driving and have a higher incidence of being distracted. We all need a reminder every so often to put down the phone or not eat while driving, because the safety of all those on the road is important. Two-thirds of adults in the same study ages 30-64 admitted to using a mobile phone in the car with children, and a third admitted to texting while driving.

If you or a loved one was injured and believe the other driver to have been distracted, contact the experienced attorneys at McEnery Price Messey & Sullivan for your free consultation.