Although 47 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws prohibiting texting while driving, distracted drivers remain a significant hazard on the nation’s roadways. A recent study conducted by the Journal of Adolescent Health surveyed over 100,000 teenagers from 35 states, including Virginia, and found that many young people ignore their state ban and continue to text while driving. In fact, a full 38 percent of the teens surveyed admitted to this dangerous behavior.
Distracted driving can cause multiple problems on the road. If a driver looks away from the road, they can lose enough control to cause the vehicle to wander out of their lane. Law enforcement agencies report that other risks of distracted driving include following to close and not slowing down soon enough to avoid collisions.
The researchers discovered that older teens were more likely than younger drivers to text, and that white youth were more inclined to do so than any other ethnic group. Other risky driving behaviors among teens became evident from the survey results. Many teens who text also do not consistently wear their seat belts, and still more of those surveyed admitted they were more likely to text and drive after consuming alcohol.
Persons involved in motor vehicle accidents may experience catastrophic injuries that can lead to such burdens as enormous medical expenses and a possible loss of wages. It only takes an instant for a driver to look away and cause a car crash that could result in major life changing issues. A personal injury attorney may be able to help those injured in motor vehicle accidents manage insurance procedures and much more if necessary.