If a distracted driver collides with you because they were using their phone, reading a map, trying to eat or doing something else that diverted their attention from the road, you could struggle with many different consequences. Painful injuries, financial hurdles because of medical costs and mental trauma are some of the difficulties you could face following such an accident.
It is important for people to realize that some drivers are especially likely to become distracted behind the wheel. For example, statistics show that teens are especially likely to drive while distracted.
Statistics on teens and distracted driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that among deadly distracted driving accidents during 2019, a higher proportion of drivers between 15 and 20 became distracted and caused crashes in comparison to drivers 21 and over. Distracted driving claimed more than 3,100 lives in 2019 alone, and resulted in roughly 424,000 people suffering injuries.
Additionally, 39% of drivers in high school who participated in a survey taken in 2019 reported that they had emailed or texted while behind the wheel.
Other distracted driving risks
Aside from texting and using electronic devices, teens can become distracted while applying makeup, trying to play music, talking to friends riding in the car or looking at something alongside the road. It is crucial for young drivers and their parents to review these risks and focus on driving safely. Sadly, more teens, as well as older drivers, will become involved in distracted driving crashes in the future.
If a distracted driver caused a serious accident that left you with injuries, you need to go over all of your legal options right away.