Back to School Scare: Texting Compounds Driver Distraction in New York
Texting teens represent the largest group of distracted drivers. Drivers under 21 are three times more likely to have an accident than older drivers.

October 26, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Driver distraction contributes to thousands of deaths on U.S. roads every year, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in the U.S. due to distracted driving accidents and another 448,000 were injured. About a fifth of those fatalities were linked directly to cell phone use.

Driver texting and talking is top-of-mind among safety experts these days as teens return to school. Why? Because a recent survey shows that many teens do not consider it dangerous. The Consumer's Union survey found that 63 percent of young drivers admitted to talking on a cell phone while driving and nearly a third admitted to texting. Among kids age 12 to 17, 48 percent say they have ridden in a car while the driver was texting. Experts estimate that almost 50 percent of drivers between 18 and 24 text behind the wheel, according to an article in Edgarsnyder.com.

Driver Distraction Linked to Rising Fatality Rate

Ironically, drivers under age 21 who have grown up with hand-held electronics are not only more likely to text, they also have three times as many accidents as older, more experienced drivers. This under-20 age group, the group with the highest percentage of distracted drivers, is contributing to a deadly trend; fatalities linked to distracted drivers are increasing. Between 2005 and 2009, distracted driving related deaths increased from 10 percent to 16 percent.

State Laws Still Being Debated

Federal and state officials continue to study and debate the impact of driver texting before passing stringent laws banning the practice. Yet it's important to keep in mind that even without a specific texting ban, texting drivers who cause an accident may still be held liable for property damage, personal injuries or wrongful death.

Texting behind the wheel can destroy lives. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.

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