Young Drivers Report the Highest Level of Driver Distraction with Cell Phone Use
Posted by
Jeff WeinsteinApril 20, 2012 1:15 PM
You can say a lot about the failure of government but you sure can't say that when it comes to our Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood. Secretary LaHood "gets it." At a recent press conference in Washington, Secretary LaHood stated “We’re encouraging young people across America to commit to distraction-free driving, spread the word to their family and friends, and speak up if the driver in their car is distracted.” Amen, well said.
The Department of Transportation conducted a nationwide telephone survey. The findings just released show that young drivers ages 18-20 are at the highest risk when it comes to near crash or crashes. This group of young drivers is three times as likely to be involved in an accident as drivers 25 years of age or higher who are sending or receiving text messages at the same time as driving.
I have been talking about peer pressure and driving since I began giving distracted driving presentations. The study shows that almost 90% of those surveyed believe texting and driving is dangerous. Also, younger passengers are less likely than older passengers to say something to a driver if they were texting or using a cell phone while driving.
You can read the full report at “Young Drivers Report the Highest Level of Phone Involvement in Crash or Near-crash Incidences,” NHTSA.gov.
Thank you Secretary LaHood and everyone at the Department of Transportation for all of your efforts to help educate and promote awareness on the Dangers of Distracted Driving.
Drive Safe - X THA TXT
Say No to Distracted Driving
Jeff Weinstein, Dallas injury lawyer