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Distracted driving, frequently caused by texting, is the leading cause of those car accidents. If asking your teen to put away the phone doesn't work, there are apps out there that can help.
Via Jeffrey Lapin
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Rescooped by David Slepkow from Nebraska and National Accident, Injury & Disability Information |
Scoop.it!
Via Jeffrey Lapin
David Slepkow's insight:
Driving is complicated. Many things can go wrong if the driver is not fully focused on the task at hand. It only takes a second for an unexpected event to occur causing a catastrophe. As new drivers, teens are already at higher risk for accidents. A combination of inexperience and overconfidence make car accidents the leading cause of death and injury for teens. Distracted driving,frequently caused by texting, is the leading cause of those accidents.
The statistics are staggering. In 2011, at least 23 percent of all car accidents involved cell phones. That works out to be 1.3 million accidents. More than 35,000 people lost their lives and at least 21,000 were injured. Despite laws that make testing and driving illegal in 43 states, the number of texting and driving accidents is not declining. In fact, distracted driving has now surpassed drinking and driving as the leading cause of death among teens.
Awareness is not the issue. A recent survey revealed that 95 percent of teens recognized that texting while driving is dangerous. However, nearly a third of those surveyed admitted they engage in the activity. Even more concerning, more than half thought it was not difficult to text and drive. These findings are consistent with other studies of multi-tasking. We typically overestimate our ability to multitask and our success rate while doing so. The truth is that our brains are not designed to engage in two complex activities at the same time. When we think we are multitasking, we are actually going back and forth between two activities, usually to the detriment of both. Multitasking is inefficient at best and reckless when combined with driving.
So why is it so difficult to stop teens from texting and driving? Cell phones have quickly become a part of the fabric of our lives. These devices have created new behaviors with unintended consequences. We joke about people being addicted to their cell phones while trying to resist the urge to check ours. Some psychologists have suggested that since cell phone usage has become so habitual, education and punishment are unlikely to yield the changes necessary. Instead, we need to help teens focus on changing their behavior. To that end, using deliberate strategies are the best way to prevent texting and driving.
important keywords: Distracted Driving,Drunk and Driving Accidents,Texting Driving
For more information concerning Rhode Island Texting Driving Accident lawyer please visit:
http://www.ripersonalinjurylaw.com/providence-distracted-driving-texting-ri-car-accident-lawyer/
an article by RI Texting Driving lawyer David Slepkow 401-437-1100
excerpt:
Driving distracted and texting while driving is considered deadly behavior, which contributes to thousands of fatalities on U.S. and Rhode Island roadways every year. Distracted driving in Rhode Island is considered any activity where the motorist’s attention is diverted away from the roadway. Every distraction of the driver can endanger the motorist, passengers and others on the Providence, Pawtucket or North providence roadway including bicyclists and pedestrians. Common distractions when driving include:
• Sending or reading text messages (texting and driving)
• Using a smart phone, cell phone or other mobile technology
• Drinking and eating
• Reading
• Grooming including applying makeup
• Reaching for objects
• Watching videos
• Gathering information from a navigation system
• Using electronic features in the car including the radio, MP3 player and CD player
• Dealing with children
• Conversing with passengers
important keywords: Distracted Driving,Drink and Driving Accidents,Texting Driving
For more information concerning Rhode Island Car Accident lawyer please visit:
http://ricaraccidentlawyers.com/distracted-driving-cell-phone/
an article by RI Car Accident lawyer David Slepkow 401-437-1100
excerpt:
Prohibited use of cell phones while driving is the law in many communities hoping to eliminate car accidents caused by distracted driving. This is because speaking or texting on a cell phone while driving is a contributing factor in more than 25 percent of all vehicle accidents nationwide.
Not a New Phenomenon in RI or across Nation
Distracted driving is not a new phenomenon. It is a problem that has been around as long as transportation. Any activity that diverts the motorist’s attention away from operating a motor vehicle creates a serious issue for everyone sharing the road with a distracted driver. While texting and using a smart phone or cell phone has become a recent problem, other driver distractions have been around for decades, including:
• Grooming or applying makeup
• Drinking or eating
• Reading, including studying maps
• Adjusting the radio, MP3 player or CD player
• Grasping for something out of reach in the vehicle
• Driving with one hand
Drivers become easily distracted when they divert their eyes from the roadway to dial a number, read a message on their smart phone, or type out a text reply. However, not all driver distractions caused by electronic equipment involves diverting eyes from the roadway or manipulating the device.
important keywords: Distracted Driving,Drink and Driving Accidents,Texting Driving