Posted: April 7, 2015
Handheld devices including mobile phones have become so ubiquitous, particularly among the young, that it should come as no surprise that a dangerously high number of drivers are using theirs while attempting to safety operate a vehicle. Unfortunately, a new study undertaken by a research team from the University of Iowa together with the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has demonstrated that the hazards posed by teenage motorists who are distracted behind the wheel is far more substantial than was initially believed.
If you have suffered serious or lasting harm because of someone who was texting and driving or otherwise inattentive behind the wheel, a New Jersey distracted driver accident lawyer at Eisbrouch Marsh can provide critical assistance. Our careers have been built upon a commitment to serving those who have been injured by the negligence of others, and our track record of success speaks to our skill and experience in doing just that. We are ready and willing to put our substantial resources to work for you and fight tirelessly for every dollar of compensation to which you are entitled.
Report yields jarring statistics
With an unprecedented level of video access to cars operated by teen drivers, researchers were able to gather extensive footage of both the driver and his or her sight lines during the minutes just prior to crash incidents. This camera surveillance produced startling results. Distraction of one type or another was found to have played an important role in approximately 6 out of 10 of the moderate-to-severe crashes in which the subjects had involvement.
The study included analysis of 1,691 individual videos, finding that the most commonly observed pre-accident distractions included:
- Interactions with fellow passengers
- Mobile phone usage
- Focus trained on something outside the vehicle
- Focus trained on something within the vehicle
- Adjusting musical selections
- Grooming tasks
- Reaching for a dropped item
Trend more serious than suspected
The damning evidence produced by these in-car videos has provoked an alarming realization about the extent of dangerous driving habits in teenagers. Prior statistical estimates released by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration suggested that distracted driving was a key factor in only 14 percent of car crashes in which teen drivers were involved. The AAA study puts that figure closer to 60 percent, emphasizing that the problem is much more entrenched than has been widely understood, and that everyone who uses public roads in the United States is at risk.
Many see these results as a clarion call for more effective driver education campaigns.
Potentially catastrophic outcomes from teen distracted driving
If the negligence of another driver causes serious injury or death, the legal system offers victims the ability to seek fair compensation.
Plaintiffs in distracted driver accident lawsuits pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Costs of rehabilitation, physical, occupational and other therapy as required
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Wrongful death/funeral costs
Legal help for car accident victims in New Jersey
When distracted driving causes serious disruption and upheaval in your life, we hope you will allow our skilled and experienced NJ car accident attorneys to assert your rights and seek accountability from those responsible. To schedule a no-cost case review, contact us at 201-342-5545.
Resources
- Forbes, Teen Distracted Driving Crashes “Even Worse Than We Thought,” New Study Finds, http://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyamohn/2015/03/25/teen-distracted-driving-crashes-even-worse-than-we-thought-new-study-finds/
- Fox 13 Salt Lake City, Footage from distracted driving study shows what teens were doing as crash occurred, http://fox13now.com/2015/03/25/aaa-puts-cameras-in-cars-to-study-dangers-of-distracted-driving-among-teens/
- National Safety Council, Cell Phone Crash Data, http://www.nsc.org/safety_road/Distracted_Driving/Pages/Cell-Phone-Crash-Data.aspx
- Distraction.gov, What is Distracted Driving? http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/facts-and-statistics.html
