A new study from researchers at the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is
suggesting that distracted driving among teen motorists may be a much
bigger problem than previously thought. According to the study, police
reports indicating the cause of collisions may be seriously underreporting
the true facts about how many crashes distracted driving really causes.
Here are a few key points about the AAA study:
- Researchers examined over 6,000 videos from cameras installed in vehicles
driven by teen motorists. These cameras allowed researchers to view both
drivers behind the wheel and a view of roadway conditions through the
windshield.
-
After analyzing videos in vehicles that were involved in crashes, researchers
found that distraction was a factor in
close to 60% of moderate to severe accidents caused by teen drivers. This is
more than
4 times official estimates based on police reports.
- Researchers reported talking to passengers as the most common form of distraction.
Other distractions included texting and using a cell-phone, adjusting
the radio or music player, and personal grooming.
Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death among American teens,
and experts have long believed that distraction plays a major role in
this unfortunate statistic. Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) considers distracted driving a problem of epidemic
proportions.
Lawmakers and safety advocates are citing the AAA study in their arguments
for passing policies that enforce tougher distracted driving laws. Many
are also supporting legislation that limits novice teen drivers from having
multiple, non-family member passengers in the vehicle until a probationary
period has been lifted.
At The Barrera Law Firm, our accident attorneys are passionate about fighting
for victims harmed in preventable auto accidents, including those caused
by distracted drivers. If you would like more information about your rights
and what our firm can do to help,
contact us for a FREE consultation.