There are many teen drivers in New York and while they are undoubtedly excited to get their driver’s license, that does not mean they fully understand the risks involved with being on the road. Many will treat it without the required seriousness, operate their vehicles recklessly and take part in risky activities behind the wheel. Today, some of the most dangerous acts that drivers can indulge in involve texting and driving and other levels of distracted driving. Research has been examining the combination of teen drivers and texting and driving and found that it is a problem in New York.
Anecdotal evidence shows endless stories of encountering teens who are texting while driving. A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health went further by putting numbers to the issue. It found that 38 percent of students text and drive. New York has a slightly lower percentage at 30 percent. A link in the frequency of teens texting while driving and the age at which drivers can get a learner’s permit was found. Since the age in New York is 16, it is believed to impact the numbers.
In the study, 35 states were looked at via survey. The minimum age was 14 and at least 100,000 students who had driven in the previous month took part. It is believed that the statistics could be worse than the information shows, as many teens tend to downplay their texting and driving behaviors. The combination of lower ages at which teens can get their learner’s permit and the higher number of students who drive combined to increase the risk.
New York is not one of the top 10 of states where texting and driving has a substantial percentage of teens who do it, but that does not mean it is not an act that can cause accidents with injuries and fatalities. The numbers from 2015 show that using a cellphone behind the wheel was a factor in 14 percent of fatal distracted driving accidents. Cellphone use multiplies the danger. Because texting and driving affects multiple facets of driving, it is highly dangerous.
With these numbers, drivers in New York who are in a crash should be cognizant of the possibility that it may have been caused by teens behaving as distracted drivers. Considering the injuries, medical expenses, lost wages and other potential problems after car accidents, having legal help is crucial. A law firm experienced in helping those who have been injured or lost a loved one in motor vehicle accidents may be able to help.
