Distraction leading cause of motor vehicle accidents for teens

Distracted driving is a major problem for young Pennsylvania drivers. Teen drivers are at a particularly high risk of being involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents because of distractions behind the wheel. In fact, this particular problem is such an issue across the nation that the term “intextication” has been coined to describe the state of many teen drivers.

Distracted driving almost always involves the phone, such as texting, surfing Facebook or making a call. It can also include activities such as talking with a passenger, eating or putting on makeup while driving. Any of these actions are typically benign when done outside of a car, but behind the wheel, fatal consequences can result. 

Statistics indicate that texting while driving is as dangerous as drunk driving, but drivers of all ages should recognize that the consequences of this action reverberate long after the crash. Family members are left grieving loved ones, injured victims may face a painful recovery and medical bills begin to accumulate. When drivers cause harm to innocent people because of negligent or reckless actions, it is important for victims to take steps to protect their rights by seeking help from a personal injury attorney. 

Distracted drivers can be held accountable for their actions that cause harm to innocent people. If the responsible driver is a teenager, the parents of the driver or the owner of the vehicle could be named in a personal injury claim. Pennsylvania victims of motor vehicle accidents caused by texting or other types of distraction do not have to face the pain and suffering alone. 

Source:  newsminer.com, “No.1 killer of teens in America: distracted driving“, Feb. 7, 2016