Teens & Distracted Driving
The dangers of distracted driving are amplified for teens, who encounter numerous distractions behind the wheel. As parents and community members, it’s a top priority to understand and address these risks. Education on this issue is critical as we work collectively towards reducing its prevalence among teen drivers. If the worst does transpire and you’re involved in an accident with a teenager, knowing how an experienced Jersey City car accident lawyer can assist your family through such trying times becomes vital.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention from safe driving. It includes a wide range of activities that can reduce a driver’s ability to focus on the road and react appropriately to their surroundings, ultimately increasing the risk of accidents.
Common examples of distractions include:
- Texting While Driving: Sending or reading text messages remains one of the most dangerous distractions because it incorporates all three types of distractions – visual, manual, and cognitive.
- Using Social Media: Posting updates, checking notifications, or browsing while driving diverts attention from the road.
- Talking on the Phone: Even hands-free calls can be distracting as they take the driver’s cognitive focus away from driving.
- Interacting with Passengers: Engaging in intense conversations can distract the driver, especially if there’s emotional content involved.
- Eating and Drinking: Consuming food or beverages requires drivers to take at least one hand off the wheel and their focus away from the task of driving.
- Adjusting Music or GPS: Any activity that requires the driver to look away from the road, such as changing radio stations or inputting directions into a GPS device, can be dangerous.
- Grooming: Drivers grooming themselves while driving, such as applying makeup or fixing their hair, is a common yet risky distraction.
Understanding the various forms of distracted driving is crucial in promoting safer driving practices and reducing road accidents.
Fatal Distracted Driving Trends, 2020
Recent years have shown a worrying increase in fatal accidents attributed to distracted driving behaviors, especially involving teens. Consider the following statistics for 2020:
Overall Fatalities
People killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2020: 3,142
Teen-Specific Statistics
- Teens 15 to 19 years old killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2020: 186
- Percentage of all distraction-affected fatalities who were 15- to 19-year-olds: 6%
Teen Drivers Killed in Fatal Crashes
- Teen drivers, 15 to 19, involved in fatal crashes in 2020: 3,325
- Distracted teen drivers, 15 to 19, involved in fatal crashes in 2020: 239
- Percentage of teen drivers, 15 to 19, who were distracted at the time of the fatal crashes: 7%
Fatalities Involving Teen Drivers
- People killed in crashes involving a teen driver, 15 to 19, in 2020: 3,719
- People killed in crashes involving a distracted teen driver, 15 to 19, in 2020: 265
- Percentage of people killed in crashes involving a teen, 15 to 19, in which the teen was distracted: 7%
These statistics underscore the critical need for increased awareness and preventive measures to address teen driver distraction and enhance road safety.
Fatal Distracted Driving Trends, 2021
The year 2021 saw continued concerns regarding teen distraction-affected crash fatalities as well. Consider the following 2021 statistics:
Distraction-Affected Crashes in 2021
People killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2021: 3,522
Teens, 15 to 19, killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2021: 225
Percentage of all distraction-affected fatalities in 2021 who were 15- to 19-year-olds: 6%
Teen Fatalities in All Crashes in 2021
Teens, 15 to 19, killed in all crashes in 2021: 2,796
Teens, 15 to 19, killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2021: 225
Percentage of teens, 15 to 19, killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2021: 8%
Distracted Drivers Involved in Fatal Crashes 2021
Number of distracted drivers (all ages) involved in fatal crashes in 2021: 3,346
Teen (15 to 19) distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2021: 271
Percentage of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes who were teens (15 to 19) in 2021: 8%
Teen Drivers Involved in Fatal Crashes in 2021
Teen drivers, 15 to 19, involved in fatal crashes in 2021: 3,814
Distracted teen drivers, 15 to 19, involved in fatal crashes in 2021: 271
Percentage of teen drivers, 15 to 19, who were distracted at the time of the fatal crashes: 7%
Fatalities Involving Teen Drivers in 2021
People killed in crashes involving a teen driver, 15 to 19: 4,212
People killed in crashes involving a distracted teen driver, 15 to 19: 296
Percentage of people killed in crashes involving a teen, 15 to 19, in which the teen was distracted, in 2021: 7%
Based on these statistics, it’s clear that distracted driving has a significant effect on accidents and fatalities.
Preventing Teen Distracted Driving
A comprehensive approach is essential to effectively reduce the rate of distracted driving among teens. Here are some things to consider:
Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns are essential in educating both teens and their parents about the dangers of distracted driving. These campaigns can utilize various media platforms such as social media, television, and print to spread impactful messages and real-life stories about the consequences of distracted driving.
School-Based Educational Programs: Educational programs within schools can play a pivotal role in curbing distracted driving. These programs can include workshops, guest speakers, and interactive activities that teach students about the importance of remaining focused while driving and the severe repercussions of distraction.
Parent and Guardian Involvement: Parents and guardians should lead by example and set clear rules about driving without distractions. Encouraging open conversations about safe driving habits and monitoring their teens’ driving behavior can substantially influence and reduce distracted driving incidents.
Technological Solutions: With the advancement of technology, various apps and in-car systems can be employed to minimize distractions. Features such as ‘Do Not Disturb’ modes, hands-free systems, and apps that block notifications while driving can help teens maintain focus on the road.
If you have any questions related to teen driving accidents or any personal injury matter, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation.