Teens are Texting and Driving Less Than Adults

A recent study finds that teens are less likely than their adult counterparts to use their cell phones while driving. The data was collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 35 states. Although parents are instructing their children not to text and drive, they are still doing it themselves. The children reported in various studies that they saw their parents using their phones while driving about 30 percent of the time.

In a study conducted by Liberty Mutual insurance company, 84 percent of parents say that they change their texting behavior while driving when asked, but only 56 percent of their teens say that this is true. So, it could in fact be the case that parents are not modeling good behavior behind the wheel while their children are in the car. This is important because children are acutely aware of their parents’ behavior and they will notice it more as they approach the driving age.

Younger Driving Ages Show More Texting Behaviors

Teens are more likely to text and drive if they started driving at a younger age. In states where teens start driving at younger ages, the numbers make it clear.  For example, statistics show that 26 percent of teens are driving and texting in Maryland, and that number jumps to 64 percent in South Dakota. In states where more than 50 percent of teen drivers were texting and driving, teens were able to get their learner’s permit by the age of 15.

A 2014 study by AT&T found that overall, 43 percent of teens were texting and driving, compared to 49 percent of adults. This means that it is adults who are texting more than teens, if you consider all teenagers. Studies have found that both teens and adults feel that it is acceptable to text at a stop sign or a red light.

Texting Laws by State

Some states have laws concerning cell phone use while driving. Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have banned handheld cell phone use while driving. New Jersey and New York are included in those states, along with California. Forty-seven states and Washington D.C. specify bans for only texting while driving and only 38 states have laws that apply specifically to new drivers. More teens are injured in accidents caused by cell phones compared to drunk driving. This is in part due to teens having access to a cell phone at all times.

Camden Car Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, the Camden car accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law will carefully evaluate your case. Our offices are in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas. Contact us today by calling 856-414-0010 or submit an online inquiry form.