Each year, thousands of teenagers die in auto accidents. According to the Center for Disease Control, each day, an estimated 8 teens die as the result of car crashes. Many more teenagers are injured and hospitalized due to auto accidents.
Causes of these accidents are inexperience, driving at night, driving with other teenage passengers, and distracted driving, such as texting and driving. Many states have passed new laws, restricting teen driving privileges, in order to reduce the amount of teen auto accidents. Traffic laws, which prohibit texting and driving, are passed by local governments, such as States, counties and municipalities. Some municipalities or states might specifically ban texting while driving, and some might ban “distracted driving,” in general. Drivers can also be cited for “reckless driving,” if a police officer observes dangerous driving, such as weaving, following too closely, or slowing down too abruptly.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another driver, investigation into that driver’s cell phone usage may reveal that texting or distracted driving was one of the causes of the wreck. If so, evidence from the other driver’s cell phone company can be used to help prove that the reason you have suffered harms and losses is due to unreasonable and irresponsible distracted driving.
All in all, parents need to talk to their kids about the dangers of texting and driving, in order to prevent accidents. Parents talking to their kids about the dangers of negligent or reckless driving has been shown to reduce the amount of texting and driving by teenagers, in effect reducing the amount of accidents. In addition to encouraging kids to avoid the temptation of texting and driving, parents need to encourage their teenage drivers to wear their seatbelts, and parents need to discourage their teenagers from drinking and driving. Children and teenagers learn by observation and example. Parents need to warn of the dangers of reckless driving habits, and parents need to practice safe driving habits themselves and lead by example.
However, if you, a friend or family member find yourself in an situation where an accident has happened and distracted driving, reckless driving, and/or negligent driving is an issue, it is important to seek experienced legal advice regarding the details of the matter. After an accident has occurred, it may be necessary to retain legal counsel, so that your rights are asserted and preserved and all potential evidence can be gathered.
