A new study set out to determine if teenage drivers realize just how dangerous it is to send text messages while driving. In reality, sending a text and taking your attention off the road impairs you just as much if not more as being drunk or on drugs. The study conducted by State Farm Insurance questioned 700 teenagers on their thoughts about distracted driving. While 55 percent believe that drinking and driving can result in a fatal car accident , only 36 believe that texting and driving can kill.
In general, teens think there is less of a chance of being in a car accident, either fatal or non-fatal, if they are texting as opposed to drinking and driving. According to a State Farm representative in this article, “We have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to helping teens understand that texting while driving can be every bit as dangerous as drinking and driving. It’s an awareness gap that must be addressed.”
In a report from the US Department of Transportation, it was found that of all the fatal crashes involving teenage drivers under 20 years-old, distracted driving was to blame. As a South Carolina personal injury lawyer , I truly believe that this is an epidemic that is only going to get worse in the near future unless something drastic is done. More and more states are getting on board with legislature that bans using hand held cell phones while driving, which is great but only the beginning.