Survey: More than 40 percent of teens still text while driving

According to a recent survey, not only are a significant number of teens continuing to text while behind the wheel, but the likelihood of teen texting increases with age. Sadly, despite the fact the several states have laws prohibiting texting while driving, including Pennsylvania, this dangerous practice endures – putting countless motorists in jeopardy of distracted driving accidents in the process.

Results of texting-while-driving survey

Researchers involved in the recent survey analyzed data from a 2011 study compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – specifically, the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which involved 7,833 driving-aged students. What researchers discovered was that 43 percent of teens admitted to texting while driving at least once in the preceding mouth.

Also, they found that this deadly habit only gets worse with age. For instance, while only 46 percent of 17-year-old drivers admitted to texting while driving, 52 percent of drivers over 18 admitted to the same practice. Interestingly, the survey also indicated that males are more likely to text while behind the wheel when compared to their female counterparts – 46 percent versus 40 percent.

Sadly, these numbers are not surprising given the results of other similar studies. For instance, just last month the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a study indicating that at “any given daylight moment” a shocking 660,000 drivers are using their cellphones or other electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle.

Pennsylvania texting while driving laws

Here in Pennsylvania, there is currently a law that prohibits texting while driving. In particular, the texting-while-driving ban expressly forbids all Pennsylvania motorists from using an interactive wireless communications device (IWCD) to write, send or read text messages or emails while driving. An IWCD can include not only cellphones, but also mobile computers and personal digital assistants.

It is also important to note that a violation of Pennsylvania’s texting-while-driving ban is considered a primary offense – meaning police do not need any other reason beyond a violation of the state’s texting-while-driving law to pull over and cite a driver.

Unfortunately, as the recent studies imply, many motorists will continue to text while driving despite the fact that it may be illegal. Accordingly, if you or a loved one has been injured by a driver who was too busy texting to keep his or her eyes on the road, it is important to contact an experienced distracted driver injury attorney. A skilled personal injury attorney can help investigate your accident and assist with filing your claim.