The latest study on teen drivers finds that distractions, especially cell phones, are extremely common in the seconds before a serious car accident.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that teen drivers were texting or talking with a passenger in almost 60 percent of moderate to severe car accidents. This is significantly higher than the official estimate of 14 percent by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The report is based on an analysis of approximately 1,700 in-vehicle videos. It was found that 14.9 percent of teens were interacting with passengers and 11.9 percent were using their cell phone in the six seconds prior to a serious car accident.
Distracted Driving in Illinois
Illinois has made a serious effort to combat distracted driving through the passage of laws restricting cell phone use and the creation of a tiered system of driving privileges for younger drivers. The push for reform began around 2008 and since then the number of teen driver fatalities has dropped from 155 to 66 last year. In Illinois, drivers under the age of 19 are prohibited from using a cell phone or similar device while driving, and this includes hands-free or handheld devices. Drivers over the age of 19 may use hands-free devices only.
The state’s graduated driver’s license program is the other state-driven method to limit the dangers of distracted driving among teens. During the permit phase, drivers may only have one passenger in the front seat and no more than the number of seat belts in the back seat. They must also be accompanied by a driver over 21 years of age who has a valid license. During this nine-month permit phase, the young driver may not acquire any driving convictions (including citations for cell phone use) and there are restrictions on nighttime driving. During the initial licensing phase (drivers age 16 – 17 years old), there are still similar restrictions, and the number of passengers under 20 years old is limited to one, unless it is a family member. After the first 12 months, the restriction is removed and they may have one passenger in the front and the number of seat belts in the back. The full licensing phase begins between the ages of 18 and 20, depending on how the driver performed during the earlier phases. All restrictions except for the use of cell phones are removed. By creating this graduated approach and prohibiting the use of cell phones, the hope is that young drivers will be less distracted on the road.
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Unfortunately, distracted driving is a continuing problem and is believed to cause more than 5,000 traffic deaths every year. Cell phones are only one form of distraction that can lead to a driver’s eyes leaving the road and causing an accident.
Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a distracted driver, you are entitled to recover your losses in a personal injury lawsuit. Mary Ann Covone Attorney at Law has over 23 years of experience representing victims of auto or truck accidents in the Chicago area. She can help you recover the compensation that you deserve. Call today at (708) 246-4911 for a free consultation.