Charpentier Law Firm Blog

USA Today-August 2, 2010-Larry Copeland-According to this article nearly 9 in 10 teenage drivers have engaged in distracted-driving behavior such as texting or talking on a cell phone despite the fact that most of them realize there actions increase the risk of a crash, according to a new survey discussed in this article. The survey was conducted by Seventeen Magazine and AAA. The survey points out difficultly of nation’s efforts to stop drivers from texting while driving, especially with regard to young drivers. “Teens do continue to drive distracted even when they recognize the dangers,” according to William Van Tassel manager of AAA’s driver training programs “driving is the first real adult responsibility, but let’s face it, they’re still teens who’s brains aren’t fully developed.” The online survey found that approximately 84% of teens were aware that distracted-driving behaviors increase their risk of crash; yet 86% have engaged in those behaviors, including texting and talking on cell phones, eating, adjusting radios, driving with four or more passengers and applying make-up. According to the article the margin of error was plus/minus 2.2%. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration almost 6,000 highway deaths each year involve distracted-driving. Eleven states have active bans on texting while driving this year; 30 states in the District of Columbia now have such prohibitions. Although legislation has been proposed, Florida currently has no bans on texting while driving.

For more information on Automobile Accidents Click Here: http://www.brevardlawyer.com/html/auto-accidents.html