Research is constantly being conducted regarding the dangers of distracted driving. A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shed additional light on the dangers faced by teen drivers, especially girls.
Teen Girls at Greater Risk of Distracted Driving
It has long been known that teens are particularly prone to distracted driving. The distractions are great and range from passengers in their cars to electronic devices. AAA researchers took their investigation a step further by identifying that teenage girl drivers are twice as likely to use an electronic device than their male counterparts.
Distracted driving can be fatal, as in the case of Alexis Summers. Around the same time that the Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill that would make texting and driving illegal in the state, Alexis was killed in a single-car accident. It is believed that she was texting before she lost control of her vehicle. A cell phone was uncovered at the scene of the crash, which had a partial text message typed out.
What You Can Do as a Parent
If you are the parent of a teenage girl, this new information can be unsettling, to say the least. The good news is that you can take proactive steps to ensure your child understands the dangers of distracted driving. You can start by explaining the hazards of not paying attention behind the wheel and set ground rules on what is and is not allowed for your teen. Also, don’t ever forget the significance of leading by example. Make sure you exhibit safe driving behavior and avoid distractions, too.
To learn about legal rights following a distracted driving accident in Pennsylvania, contact an experienced Bucks County personal injury lawyer at Cordisco & Saile LLC by calling 215-642-2335 or toll free at 215-642-2335.
