Distracted driving has become a major issue across the United States as drivers continue to give in to the impulse to pick up their cell phone while behind the wheel to send a text or make a phone call.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has taken a new tack to stop distracted driving by targeting brand new drivers. Not only is the hope to instill safe driving practices from early on, but to also protect the one demographic most at risk of becoming involved in a traffic accident.
Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that teenagers are at least three times more likely to be involved in a serious injury accident or fatal car crash during the first six months of driving alone.
The latest campaign by the NHTSA emphasizes that parents should be involved in their teenager’s driving education and stresses a zero-tolerance approach. Talk about the following rules and make sure the consequences are clear.
- No cell phone use while driving.
- No driving with passengers.
- No speeding or reckless driving.
- Never drink and drive.
- Never drive without wearing a seat belt.
Distracted driving can easily cut a young driver’s life short or irrevocably alter his or her future. It is not uncommon for those that survive a vehicle accident to suffer catastrophic injuries, such as brain damage, spinal cord injuries, amputations, or paraplegia.
At Brown Trial Firm, PLLC, our auto accident lawyers have the experience and resources to help protect our clients’ rights against negligent drivers. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a distracted driving accident, please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation at (866) 393-2611. You may be entitled to receive significant compensation for your losses.