Unfortunately, teenagers catch a lot of flak for being the primary cause of distracted driving accidents. While it’s certainly true that teens are often more likely to text and drive and therefore, to potentially cause more distracted driving accidents in West Palm Beach or Jupiter, Florida, parents can be responsible for serving as good role models and stopping the texting and driving addiction.
Distracted driving is an issue that doesn’t just impact one age group. While teenagers are much more likely to use various platforms of social media and be on their phones more often during the day, parents can be guilty of this behavior too.
In fact, according to a recent research study by Common Sense Media, 56% of parents have revealed that they have looked at their phones while driving. Even just a couple of seconds away from focusing on the road can lead to a catastrophic car accident and personal injury claim.
Individuals who cause distracted driving accidents may be held responsible in court if the injured party chooses to pursue a personal injury claim. Although Florida’s personal injury protection laws allow these injured victims to receive benefits through their own insurance company first, these individuals may also seek to recover additional compensation if their medical bills or other associated costs extend beyond the PIP coverage.
Also Read: 5 Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving
While it’s tempting to think that teenagers are the only ones who can’t avoid the urge to check Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, parents struggle to curb their addictions to any of these devices while being behind the wheel as well.
Research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Distracted Driving Research Lab shows that it’s common for up to 50 percent of parents to be engaged in some form of distracted driving using their phone behind the wheel.
When modeling this behavior for teenagers, teenagers might get the impression that distracted driving rules and regulations are simply recommended and not necessary. The reality is that anyone’s attention pulled away from the road for just a couple of seconds could lead to a catastrophic accident.
If another driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian alleges that someone was texting and driving or otherwise distracted by their phone at the time of the accident, this could prove critical in a personal injury claim.
It is always better to put down the phone and keep your focus maintained on the road ahead of you.
This could be essential for minimizing the chances of accidents but it could also help to model positive behavior for teenagers in the car as well. If teenagers witness their parents using cellphones and other technology in vehicles far too often, teenagers may be tempted to engage in this behavior as well.
More than half of all teens, for example, recently shared information in a Common Sense Media Poll that they had seen their parents using or checking their mobile devices while driving. The National Safety Council shares information that 95% of parents admit to driving distracted do admit to doing it while their teens witness the behavior.
Distracted driving accidents are preventable, but despite the fact that an understanding of the severity of accidents like this has become more widespread, the behavior persists.
Also Read: Being Addicted to Smartphones Could Cause Serious Problems in Terms of Distracted Driving
To avoid distracted driving, consider enabling phone apps that block a user from being able to use his/her phone in the car. This can be a helpful tool for teen drivers and can assist with illustrating how serious distracted driving can be.
Being involved in a distracted driving accident has the potential to change your life forever. It can also lead to major injuries and damages for other parties as well. Think carefully about using your phone.
While the same applications can be used to help minimize a teenager’s use of social media or a cellphone while driving, it can be a good idea to consider using these applications as an adult too.
Contact to An Expert West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorney Today
It’s hard to resist the incoming ping of a notification but doing so could also be critical for saving your life and preventing others from being seriously injured in a car accident.
If you have already been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to pursue a West Palm Beach car accident claim after speaking with an attorney.
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