Are Drivers Ignoring the Danger of Texting While Driving?

A 2018 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey found the number of drivers who regularly or fairly often talk on a cell phone while driving is up 46% since 2013. While 58% said talking on a cell phone while driving is a “very serious threat” and 78% said texting while driving constitutes a “significant danger, 49% admitted to talking on a hand held cell phone while driving and 35% admitted sending a text or an email. AAA statistics show that drivers who talk on a hand held cell phone are four times as likely to have a wreck and those who text while driving are eight times as likely to be involved in a crash.

KTVO-TV reported in 2018 that distracted driving was “still a major issue” on Missouri roads, in spite of a state anti-texting while driving law that forbids anyone under the age of 21 from using an electronic device while operating a vehicle.”  But Missouri’s law doesn’t make it easy to catch people who are texting and driving, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.  An official told KTVO that car wreck reports in Missouri may not be “completely accurate” because people involved may not report distracted driving as the cause.

Who Is Texting While Driving?

Teenage drivers between the ages of 15 and 19 have the most distracted driving wrecks.  But all teens find cell phones “irresistible” even when they are driving, according to TeenSafe. The Missouri Department of Insurance says teens who cause a distracted driving accident can lose their auto insurance and the right to drive. It also notes that premiums for all distracted drivers who cause accidents in Missouri can increase “by at least 50% for three to seven years.”

TeenSafe reported 71% of teens owned a smartphone in 2014.  The number jumped to 89% by 2017. Parents hoping to change teen driving behavior can use Cell Control – an app in the car that stops all texts, emails, Twitter and other functions while it’s moving. Similar apps are also available. Some insurance companies are using Drive Well, a new device that tracks bad driver behavior and changes it by raising driver awareness.  But one of the most powerful tools may be this teen produced and narrated video about a girl who accidentally killed her boyfriend.

Where ever you drive there’s danger from distracted drivers

Major U.S. news outlets have called distracted driving an epidemic that’s as bad as drunk as drunk driving, especially since the majority of Americans don’t think it’s dangerous and distracted driving is skyrocketing for all ages.

Wayne Wright can help if a distracted driver injures you

Wayne Wright is one of America’s top trial lawyers. For more than 40 years he’s been winning top dollar awards for accident victims.  Calls and evaluations are free. His national legal awards are proof of his legal expertise and ability to deal on victims’ behalf with their insurance companies. Clients only pay fees, agreed on in advance, when Wayne Wright wins their case.