AAA: Teens Driving While Distracted is on the Rise

By Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP on March 26, 2015

Driver holding a phone in one hand and a coffee cup in the other

In the most comprehensive video research ever done, distracted driving among teens is a much more serious problem than previously known.

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The findings of The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety were more than disturbing. Distracted driving was a factor in for than half of severe to moderate crashes involving teen drivers. This includes accidents where vehicles ran off the road or had rear-end collisions.

The most common forms of distraction leading to a crash by a teen included:

  • Interacting with one or more passengers: 15% of crashes
  • Cell phone use: 12% of crashes
  • Looking at someone in the vehicle: 10% of crashes
  • Looking at someone outside the vehicle: 9% of crashes

Simply put, driving is risky business for teens. They have the highest crash rate of any age group.

  • About 963,000 drivers age 16 to 19 were involved in police-reported crashes in the U.S. in 2013, the most recent year for available data.
  • These crashes resulted in 383,000 injuries and 2,865 deaths.

Behind these statistics are real families, some who have been devastated by tragedies. We must all do our part to be a part of the solution, not the problem.

Should You Call 911 to Report A Dangerous Driver?

Should you call 911 if you see a careless driver putting lives at risk? It’s a question many teen drivers face.

Researchers agree that you should call officials if you witness serious infractions. Remember, the 911 system is intended for immediate assistance in true emergencies.

The Fort Worth personal injury attorneys at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP have the passion, integrity and grit needed to fight for your rights after an accident caused by a distracted driver.

With a proven track record of success, our team of Fort Worth car accident lawyers offer 100% FREE consultations to help review the details of your claim and will fight for the justice you deserve.

Call (817) 920-9000 to schedule your free consultation today.

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.

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