In the last blog in our distracted driving series, we addressed the distractions that can occur when driving with small children in the back seat. When those children become teens with driver’s licenses, distractions while driving can include cell phones, music, friends and a host of other dangers that come with multitasking while at the wheel.
According to the NHTSA’s safercar.gov site, teenage drivers are twice as likely as adult drivers to be in a fatal crash. Despite a 49-percent decline in driver fatalities of 15- to 20-year-olds between 2003 and 2012, young drivers, particularly 16- to 17-year-olds, are significantly over-represented in fatal crashes. Distracted driving behavior stems from using electronic devices, drinking, teenage passengers and more.
So, how can you keep your teenagers safe? To address the problem of distracted driving and teens, every state across the nation has enacted graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws to give younger drivers more time to improve their skills and learn how to operate a vehicle under less risky circumstances. GDL laws vary by each state but typically include stages with increased responsibilities.
At a minimum, parents should consider the following ground rules for their teens:
- No cell phones
- No extra passengers
- No speeding
- No alcohol
- Buckle up
The use of cell phones and other electronics has caused the number of accidents and deaths due to distracted driving to skyrocket: In fact, the National Safety Council reports that distracted driving is now the third cause of road fatalities, right behind speeding and alcohol. In our final blog of our distracted driving series, we’ll take a look at the steps you should take in the unfortunate incident of a car accident.
At Nager, Romaine & Schneiberg Co., L.P.A., we understand the devastating effects of being injured in an auto accident in Cleveland caused by a distracted driver. That’s why we launched this series of blogs. We have provided information about distracted driving and driving safety. Topics include pedestrian and cyclist safety as well as keeping kids and teen drivers safe.
Please read Distracted Driving Facts and Statistics to learn more about what distracted driving is and the devastating impact it can have on others. You can also visit our distracted driving and texting accident page on our website.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, speak to an auto accident lawyer at NRS right away. Our distracted driving accident attorneys have the experience you need to get the results you deserve and are entitled to by law. Call us toll-free at 1.855.GOT.HURT (1.855.468.4878) or contact us by filling out our No-Risk Consultation Form.
