Survey Indicates Adults Are Worse Than Teens About Texting While Driving

There has been a great increase in motor vehicle accidents caused by texting while driving as the popularity of texting has spread. Most people think of this as a problem associated with teenage drivers – probably because we think of teenagers as glued to their cell phones. A survey conducted by AT&T, however, indicates that it may be adults who are the worst offenders when it comes to this dangerous practice.

Nearly 50% of adults in the survey admitted that they had texted while driving, compared to only 43% of teenagers. Both of these numbers are extremely high, given the risk of causing a personal injury accident. More than 98% of the adults surveyed admitted that they knew it was wrong, but many of them are doing it anyway.

Six out of ten of the adults also stated that they were not texting while driving three years ago, indicating that the number of distracted adult drivers is on the rise. Since there are only about 10 million teenage drivers in the U.S. compared to approximately 180 million adult drivers, any growth in texting while driving among adults can translate into much more dangerous roads.

Thousands Die Involving Distracted Driving Every Year

According to the Department of Transportation, 3,331 people died in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers in 2011, up from 3,267 people in 2010. The numbers are on the rise despite efforts to educate people about the danger of this practice, and this survey indicates that it may be adults, not teenagers, who are to blame.

Injured In An Accident Caused By Texting or Distracted Driver?

Texting drivers who cause personal injury or death need to be held accountable for their actions. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a texting or distracted driver, we can answer your questions regarding your legal rights at 716-600-0000 or 716-400-0000.