Every driver on the road has been tempted at one point or another to read or send at text while behind the wheel. However, some drivers are more tempted and prone to participate in texting or emailing behind the wheel. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers under the age of 25 are three times more likely to text and drive than older drivers.
Although teenagers and young drivers seem to know the risks involved with emailing or texting while driving, many continue to participate in these distracted driving behaviors. Because of this and the thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries that are linked to distracted driving in this nation, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is proposing a new blueprint plan to help decrease distracted driving.
Novice Drivers
One focal point of LaHood’s plan is to ensure driver’s education companies are including this important information in their driver education programs. When instructors teach novice drivers, they need to review the dangers of using a cell phone or texting while driving. NHTSA will be partnering with driver education professionals to update their curriculum.
If high school students who are learning to drive repeatedly hear about the dangers of distracted driving and its deadly risks, they may be less likely to participate in it. Additionally, if they see their friends texting while driving, they may be more likely to speak up.
How Parents Can Help
NHTSA also is encouraging parents of young drivers to challenge their teens to pay attention to the road and not the phone. By establishing rules for young drivers and raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, novice drivers may learn to focus on the road and minimize car accidents in Georgia and throughout the nation.
When everyone gets involved and works together to promote safe driving – keeping eyes on the road and hands on the wheel – the risk of automobile accidents will decrease.
If you or your children were injured in a distracted driving accident in Georgia, you need to talk with a skilled Atlanta auto accident attorney at the Law Offices of Shane Smith. Simply call 770-HURT-999 today to receive a complimentary case consultation.
