Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Teens are often the earliest adopters of new technology and are well-known for always being on their phones. As a result, it is natural to assume that young people are more likely to text and drive than adults. The reality, however, is that new teen drivers may not be at the greatest risk of causing a distracted driving accident. Instead, evidence indicates that young adults and new mothers may actually be texting more behind the wheel than young teen drivers. 
Our experienced auto accident lawyers know that anyone, of any age, is significantly more likely to become involved in a car accident when texting as compared to someone who is not distracted. Texting can take your eyes away from the road for 4.6 seconds and can increase the chances of a crash by 23 percent. All motorists, therefore, need to make a strong commitment to put the phone down and stay off the phone while operating a motor vehicle.
Studies Show New Mothers Use Smart Phones Most Often
Two recent studies have raised concerns related to texting and driving among young adults and especially among new mothers.
One study came from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. This study revealed that 58 percent of drivers aged 16-18 said that they had recently used the phone while they were driving, with 23 percent of teens in this age group admitting to using the phone regularly and 31 percent saying that they had sent either a text or an email behind the wheel. A total of seven percent of teens in this age group said that they regularly text or email while driving.
Drivers aged 19-24, however, had higher rates of texting and driving. Among this age group, 72 percent used the phone as they drove and 27 percent were regular phone users. A total of 42 percent of respondents to the AAA survey in this age group said that they texted and 11 percent said that they frequently sent texts or emails while behind the wheel.
The other study was conducted by AOL and the findings were summarized by the Los Angeles Times. According to that study of more than 1,000 smartphone users, the 342 new mothers in the survey reached for their phones an average of 21 times every single day and used their phones for an average of 37 hours each month. Millenials as a group, on the other hand, used their phones just 31 hours each month on average, which was significantly less time than new moms.
New mothers may turn to their phones frequently because they view their phones as a way to manage their family schedules, obtain necessary information and connect to friends and family members even when a lot of time is taken up by caring for children.
The outcome of the study related to older teens using phones, on the other hand, may suggest that young adults who have had their license for a little while are more likely to get comfortable and complacent and reach for their phones.
Unfortunately, if new mothers are frequently on their phones and are also more complacent about the risks of distracted driving, this may increase the chances that they will use their phones in the car and thus put themselves, their kids and other motorists at risk of a serious distracted driving crash.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, contact Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 888-367-2900.
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Snowy Roads Blamed for Driver’s Death, Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, December 16, 2013