Texting While Driving… Adults Are Worse Than Teens
Posted on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014 at 3:42 pm
In a recent survey conducted by AT&T, 49% of American adult drivers admitted that they text while driving. [1] That’s a surprising statistic compared to only 43% of teens who admitted they too text, email, and check social networks while driving. While any licensed driver can partake in the act of texting while driving, as the AT&T study shows, adults are the worst offenders. Why can’t adults put the mobile phone down while behind the wheel? When asked why, respondents to the survey answered candidly that “it was a habit,” “it makes me more productive,” and “I like to stay connected.” A few years ago adults said they never did it, but in today’s fast paced world, texting while driving has become the new norm. While texting while driving may help someone stay more connected or be more productive, there can be very serious consequences of driving while texting.
Kentucky’s Texting Laws
To combat this phenomenon, Kentucky has stepped up and passed stricter laws banning texting while driving. In 2011, Kentucky created a new section of KRS Chapter 189, which prohibits text messaging while operating a motor vehicle. Punishments for a driver who is caught text messaging range from fines between $20 to $100 for each offense, excluding court costs, as well as adding on an additional 6 months onto the time a permit holder must wait before being allowed to get his or her driver’s license.
Texting Increases the Chances of You Getting Into an Auto Accident
The reality is the repercussions of driving and texting can lead to increased chances of getting into an auto accident and even death. Researchers from Virginia Tech Transportation Institute reported that texting while driving creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted. When you text and drive, you are not only at risk for injury, but you are a liability to every driver around you.
If you have or know anyone who has been a victim of an auto accident involving a distracted driver who texted while driving, Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC can help!
Contact Us (859.371.5997) for a Free Consultation
[1] http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/28/adults-worse-than-teens-about-texting-behind-wheel/2026331/
