This information should serve as a startling reminder that parents should be discussing the topic of distracted driving with their teenagers—especially parents of teenage girls. Teenage girls use their cell phones to talk and text while driving more than teenage boys do; however, parents of newly licensed drivers—no matter the gender of their child—should use this study to bring up the topic of the dangers of distracted driving.
Not only should parents of teenagers discuss this subject for their child’s safety, but parents should keep in mind their liability as well.
Before a teenager receives the keys to the car, this type of parent-child conversation needs to take place. It not only should occur at this time, but parents should constantly remind their teenagers about the dangers of texting and driving in Florida.
The AAA study used in-car video cameras to capture teen driving behaviors. The study revealed the following:
- Teenage girls are twice as likely to use their cell phones while driving then teenage boys.
- Talking on cell phones and texting were the most common distracted driving activities teenagers engage in, followed by personal grooming and reaching for things in the car.
- These distracted driving behaviors do contribute to teenage car crashes in Sarasota and throughout the nation.
In 2010, distracted driving contributed to over 3,000 highway deaths in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This statistic doesn’t take into account the distracted driving crashes that contributed to serious injuries. No parent wants to see their son or daughter die, get injured, or injure or kill another person due to texting.
If a Distracted Driver Caused a Crash
If you or your son or daughter was injured in a Sarasota car wreck due to careless behaviors such as texting or talking on a cell phone while driving, you and your family may have rights to seek compensation for the wrongs you suffered.
Make sure your rights are protected and talk with an experienced Sarasota personal injury law firm today to find out more about your rights. Call Mallard Perez at (888) 409-3805 for a free, no-obligation consultation.