About 90 percent of Americans think that distracted driving is a more serious problem today than it was just three years ago. According to a news release from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, it’s not just cell-phone use that’s endangering our roadways, it’s the fact that these drivers are actually more likely to display other dangerous behaviors.
AAA conducted a study with these dangerous drivers and discovered some alarming statistics. Of the drivers who use cell phones behind the wheel, about 70 percent say they oftent speed, more than 40 percent say they drive while drowsy, about 55 percent say they text and email in the driver’s seat and close to 30 percent say that they rarely wear a seat belt.
Our Cape Coral accident attorneys know most drivers understand that distracted driving is dangerous. What’s alarming is that these same drivers choose to participate in other forms of dangerous driving behavior as well. The truth of the matter is that there are more cell phone subscriptions out there than there are citizens. We all need to step up and take a stand against their use at the wheel.
“Drivers of all ages contribute to this problem. However, this issue tends to be more prevalent among young drivers, as electronic devices…are proven to be the most common form of distraction for teens,” said Gorman, with AAA.
As a matter of fact, AAA studies report that more than 60 percent of 16- and 17-year-old drivers have mobile phones and they also admit that they use them behind the wheel.
Young Drivers — 16- to 24-Years-Old:
-More than 60 percent say that they’ve read an email or a text message in the driver’s seat at least once in the last 30 days.
-Close to 30 percent say they’ve checked Facebook, Twitter or other social media in the driver’s seat at least once in the last 30 days.
Distracted driving continues to be a focus of federal safety officials. And officials with AAA continue to support a ban on text messaging for drivers. Yet some states aren’t following behind. The state of Florida is actually one of the only states left that has yet to enact any kind of distracted-driving law.
Even though there are no laws on the book that say drivers cannot use a cell phone or other electronic devices while driving, we’re asking all drivers to act in good faith and keep their attention on safety. Remember, cell phones, whether phone calls or text messaging, significantly increase your risks for a potentially fatal car accident.
Call Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, if you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident. Call today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. 1-800-283-2900.
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