The Daily Danger of Distracted Driving

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

Did you know that distracted driving causes up to 8,000 car accidents every day in America? That statistic from the American Automobile Association (AAA) proves that distracted driving is a major problem on the nation’s roads. This problem extends to teenage drivers who learn driving habits early on and take those habits into adulthood behind the wheel.

While easier said than done, there are a few simple steps you can take to set a good example for the teenage driver in your family:

  • Read your maps and check your routes before you get in the car – pull the car over if you need to check for directions
  • Designate a passenger to be the person who answers the cell phone and sends text messages
  • If you are alone in the car, put your cell phone in the back seat or somewhere out of reach so you cannot use it while driving
  • Make sure children in safety seats have any needed snacks or entertainment so you do not have to reach or look behind you while driving

If you catch your teen driver using a cell phone while driving, revoking his or her driving privileges is not out of line. Another statistic from AAA revealed that 60 percent of teen drivers admitted to using a cell phone while driving even though they knew it was wrong.

Have you suffered injuries because of a distracted teen driver? Get in touch with our attorneys today.

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Injury Attorneys

Approved by attorney Roger Johnson

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.