DISTRACTED DRIVING AMONG TEENS

Amateur male drivers who have other teens in the car have the highest chances of getting into an accident — whether as a result from a phone, friends, the radio or something else. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among U.S. teens, and the amount of in-car distractions is driving that number up. So, how can you make sure your teen isn’t at a higher accident risk? Make sure they know about distracted driving and the consequences.

Distracted driving isn’t just about texting. It’s about any in-car activity that takes your attention away from the road:

• Texting
• Using a cell phone or smartphone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Doing makeup or hair
• Reading, including maps
• Using a navigation system
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

According to Distraction.gov, more than 3,300 people were killed in crashes that involved distracted drivers in 2011. Distracted driving caused 21 percent of accidents involving drivers 15 to 19 years old, and 25 percent of teens say they respond to a text once or more every time they drive.

When your teen is ready to drive, have extended conversations with them about the dangers of texting and driving. Make sure they know the law and the consequences of getting caught, getting into an accident or harming someone while texting. The best thing you can do is be a good example yourself and not drive while distracted.

Texting and driving doesn’t just affect teens. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, contact the Connecticut auto injury attorneys at The Pickel Law Firm.