Car Accidents in Alabama a Summer Risk for Teens

Jun 13, 2012 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Texting while driving is dangerous. This is especially relevant when we’re talking about teenage drivers.

As a matter of fact, teen drivers not only have the highest rates for car accidents in Alabama, but they are also the driving group that’s most likely to engage in distractions behind the wheel.

There is no better time than the beginning of summer vacation to have a serious talk with the teens in your life.

Various studies have concluded that drivers understand the dangers that are associated with this dangerous habit, but most of them are not willing to make the changes to increase roadway safety. Young drivers are most prone to ignoring the risks.

Perhaps you heard recently about the Massachusetts teen who was charged with vehicular manslaughter and negligent operation while texting after a fatal distracted driving accident. At the conclusion of the ground-breaking case, the teen was sentenced to a year in prison and had his driver’s license suspended for 15 years because of the accident, according to FOX News.

The driver testified he wasn’t texting when the accident happened. Phone records proved otherwise. It all happened back in February of 2011 when his vehicle crossed over the center line and into the path of oncoming traffic. He slammed directly into an oncoming vehicle, killing the driver and seriously injuring the passenger.

Our Alabama accident attorneys understand that teens are out of school now, and they’re out in search of summer fun. With the natural increase in traffic during this time, we’re all at higher risks for car accidents. Drivers, especially the young ones, are asked to be careful out there and to keep distractions out of the driver’s seat. Texting while driving actually increases a driver’s risk for an accident by nearly 25 times.

Unfortunately, you can drive down virtually any road in the state and you’ll almost certainly see a driver making phone calls or sending text messages. The problem is that although most drivers understand the dangers that are associated with distracted driving, most drivers simply do not take the issue seriously.

We’re asking parents and guardians to share the story about the recent Massachusetts teen accident and the risks associated with distracted driving with the young drivers in their family. Oftentimes, teen drivers think they’re invincible behind the wheel, and that an accident won’t happen to them. We need to teach our kids that the risks are very real, and they need to practice the proper driving habits to help to stay safe behind the wheel.

In 2010, there were nearly 3,100 people who were killed in accidents involving a distracted driving. In addition to these fatalities, there were more than 415,000 people who were injured in these same kinds of accidents, according to Distraction.gov.

More Blog Entries:

Alabama Personal Injury: Car Accidents Target of Distracted Driving Month, Alabama Injury Attorneys Blog, April 3, 2012

Nationwide Ban on Portable Electronic Devices Proposed to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Tuscaloosa and Elsewhere, Alabama Injury Attorneys Blog, January 1, 2012