“Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on America’s roads, and teens are especially vulnerable because of their inexperience behind the wheel,” says Transportation Secretary Ray Hood.
Dallas car accident attorney know this all too well.
As schools winds down, more teens will be hitting the roadways, increasing the risk of Dallas car accidents.
Consumer Reports Nation Research Centersurveyed nearly 1,100 teens to show just how often drivers engage in distracted behavior behind the wheel:
-94 percent of teens surveyed have witnessed other drivers talking on the phone while driving.
-63 percent of the teens admitted to using a hand-held device behind the wheel.
-30 percent of teen drivers confessed to texting while driving.
In attempt to fight this epidemic, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Consumer Reports are joining forces to help educate parents and teens about the consequences of distracted diving. A free guide, put out by the Department of Transportation, called “Distracted Driving Shatters Lives” was released to help educate the public about their message.
The DOT and Consumer Reports also share five additional steps for parents to take to prevent distracted teen driving:
-Talk to your teen about the dangers of distracted driving and the risks and consequences it could have.
-Create boundaries. Set rules to regulate texting and cell phone use in the car.
-Practice what you preach. Set an example by not using your cell phone while driving.
-Make sure to get family and friends involved in the agreement
-Create a driving contract between you and your teen and have both parties sign it.
In 2009, nearly 500,000 people were injured in distracted driving accidents — more than 5,500 were killed. One in five of the incidents were directly related to cell phone use at the wheel.
In you or a loved one have been involved in a distracted driving accident, contact the Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer Mike Goolsby of The Goolsby Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation. Call (972) 492-8758.
