Teens and younger drivers have always been considered higher risks than older, more experienced drivers. However, a new study proves that young drivers are more likely to be involved in an auto accident because of cell phone use.
Distracted driving isn’t limited to just America’s youth, but a new study proves that younger drivers are much more likely to be involved in auto accidents because of their cell phones. For parents, this should be a wakeup call. For young drivers, this study should be the final incentive needed to convince them to put the phones down and ignore them when behind the wheel. What should you know about the study?
The Most At-Risk
Young drivers have always been considered higher risks because they lack the experience that comes with age and exposure to a variety of driving conditions. However, today, it’s the cell phone that proves to be the largest hurdle. Drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 are the most likely to be in an auto accident because of cell phones – they’re 23% more likely to have a crash or near crash according to the new study conducted by the NHTSA.
In addition, that age group experiences double the number of crashes as the next closest age group, and four times more than other groups, including elderly drivers (those aged 65 and over actually have the lowest chance of being involved in an accident).
Frightening Ignorance of Real Information
The number of awareness programs concerning cell phone use on the road has skyrocketed in recent years. However, their value is dubious. The NHTSA found that of all drivers surveyed in the study, more than half thought that using a phone while behind the wheel did not increase their safety risks at all. That delusion increases dramatically when considering those under the age of 35. 65% of drivers under 35 felt that using a cell phone while behind the wheel made no difference at all in their ability to drive safely. 25% of all drivers surveyed felt that texting while behind the wheel was not dangerous at all.
What to Do
Given the number of people who feel that cell phone use has no impact on driving despite the efforts of awareness programs, you can expect the number of crashes related to distracted driving to increase. If you have been injured in such an accident, it’s important to have an expert lawyer on your side to represent you in court.
