| By :
Jason Epstein
9 out of 10 teens are aware that texting and driving is a dangerous combination. The problem is, however, that 9 out of 10 teens also engage in the potentially-lethal practice. That’s the big shocker from the results of a new online survey of teenage drivers sponsored by Seventeen magazine and the AAA auto club. The survey of 1,999 teens ages 16 to 19 was conducted this past May. “Teens do continue to drive distracted even when they recognize the dangers,” commented William Van Tassel, manager of AAA’s driver training programs. “Driving is the first real adult responsibility, but let’s face it, they’re still teens whose brains aren’t fully developed.” The facts on distracted driving point to a clear and present danger. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 6,000 highway wrongful deaths per year are caused by car accidents that resulted from distracted driving. All across the country, the magnitude of the problem is finally beginning to result in substantial action. 11 states have enacted bans on texting while driving this year – bringing the total to 30 states, as well as the District of Columbia, that have passed such prohibitions for all drivers. In addition, many leading national figures are campaigning against drivers using cell phones. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is currently lobbying for tougher federal legislation, Oprah Winfrey has devoted segments of her popular show to the subject, and Seattle Washington Personal Injury Attorney Jason Epstein created a special website, Teens Against Distracted Driving ( located at www.teensagainstdistracteddriving.com ) where teenage drivers can take the pledge to stop texting or talking on the phone while behind the wheel. Such pledges may be increasingly necessary. The survey makes it clear that, although the message is definitely getting out about the dangers of distracted driving, teens are still being tempted into doing it, despite the possibility of causing car accidents that could lead to serious personal injury or even wrongful death. Their reasons for taking that big a risk? Here are a few they gave on the survey: • It takes only a split second (41%) • They don’t think they’ll get hurt (35%) • It makes driving less boring (22%) • They’re used to being connected to people all the time (21%). These are less-than-compelling explanations for behavior that could not only endanger the teenage drivers’ lives, but also the lives of other innocent motorists on the road. It’s clear that more driver education and continued legislation are needed to continue to combat this problem.
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