Distracted Teen Driving

Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney

In a new study recently released by AAA, they found that more than 59 percent of all teen crashes studied were a result of distraction. This is a significant spike in the previously reported studies which found only 14 percent of teen crashes a direct result of distraction.

AAA used crash videos of around 1,700 participants. These videos provided better information of what exactly happened in the moments leading up to the auto accident. The study found the below list as the most common ways teen drivers get distracted.

• Cell Phone Usage: the study found that 12% of the crashes were caused by teens distractedly checking their phones. The study says the teens were not limited to texting, some were filmed adjusting the controls of the music with their phone, talking with their ear to the phone or checking notifications. AAA also found that females were twice as likely to drive while on the phone as males.
• Passenger Distractions: Another 15 % of the total crashes were caused by distractions from passengers inside the vehicle. Some of the clips surveyed, showed the teens having loud conversations, dancing and using other various electronic devices as passengers.
• Looking at Something Inside the Car: 10% of the crashes surveyed produced evidence that teens were distracted by looking at an object inside the car. These videos mostly showed teens adjusting control or reaching for objects in the car.
• Looking at Outside Objects: 9% of the surveyed group was noted to have crashed due to looking at something outside of the vehicle. Interestingly, men were twice as likely to look behind them than women are.
• Grooming: Finally, another 6% of crashes occurred due to grooming. This includes combing hair, applying make-up, or styling hair.

Were You Injured By a Teen Driver?

If you were injured at the hands of a negligent teen driver, the experienced legal team of Presley & Presley, LLC can work with you to develop a realistic legal strategy. Suffering injury due the careless and reckless act of an individual can cause emotional trauma. While we understand fighting for compensation will not heal your injuries, we strive to provide you with a settlement that can help you pay your medical bills and move forward. Our team of Kansas City personal injury attorneys will serve as your tenacious advocates. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your incident so you can have a solid case. Call our offices today to discuss the details of your case in a free consultation.