Survey shows prevalence of teen driver distraction

Distracted driving has claimed many lives nationwide, including in Delaware. Drivers who disregard the risks of distracted driving also ignore their passengers’ safety and other road users. Statistics show that one in every five people who lost their lives in such accidents in 2018 were pedestrians, cyclists or outside their vehicles. 

What is distracted driving? 

Any activity other than driving and focusing on the road is a distraction of one of the following types: 

• Manual: Taking the driver’s hands off the steering wheel. 
• Visual: Taking the driver’s eyes away from the road. 
• Cognitive: Taking the driver’s mind off driving. 

Any of these distractions increase the crash risk. An indication of the severity of the problem is the 2018 national statistics that show approximately 400,000 people were injured and more than 2,800 lost their lives in such accidents. 

Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System survey 

Following a 2019 survey of high school students in the U.S., the analysis indicated that almost four in 10 participants emailed or texted while driving during the previous 30 days. Other facts that became evident include the following: 

• Emailing and texting were more prevalent among older than younger students. 
• Distractions were equally common regardless of the students’ grades. 
• White drivers were more likely to be distracted than other races. 

The following behaviors were found to be more likely among emailing or texting drivers: 

• Failing to wear their seat belts 
• Driving after consuming alcohol 
• Getting into the vehicle of a driver who had consumed alcohol 

The plight of the victims 

Sadly, distracted drivers have left thousands of people across the country, including many in Delaware, to cope with the consequences of preventable car accidents. While no amount of money can bring back lost loved ones or repair bodily harm, seeking damage recovery could ease the financial burden. Successfully navigated civil lawsuits might lead to monetary judgments to cover medical expenses, end-of-life costs, and other financial and emotional damages.