According to a study published in the Journal of Transportation Safety and Security, a large number of teenagers report applying makeup, using cell phones, doing homework and even changing clothes while driving. When people of all ages are taken into account, distracted driving is the leading cause of all accidents, making it important for New Jersey drivers to be aware of what factors can cause lapses in attention.
Although there are many widespread distractions, the leader of the study noted that campaigns designed to reduce incidents of texting while drivingseem to be effective. Forty percent of surveyed teenagers said they text while driving, and while the number is high, it is an improvement when compared to earlier studies.
To demonstrate how dangerous multitasking can be, the researchers visited various high schools in order to carry out educational courses. In one of these courses, students were asked write down numbers while having cell phone conversations, which proved difficult. After participating in the course, the students were apparently more likely to recognize the dangers of driving while distracted.
Not much research has been carried out to determine how teenagers can be convinced to alter behaviors through classroom mediation, but studies have shown that parents play a key role in helping teenagers avoid unsafe driving practices. The study’s lead author said the most important thing for drivers of all ages to remember is to always keep their eyes on the road.
When someone is injured in a vehicle accident, damages can range from rehabilitation costs to lost wages and a large amount of personal trauma. If an injured individual or their loved ones wants to try to obtain reimbursement for damages caused by someone who was texting while driving or otherwise distracted, they might benefit from working with a lawyer who understands personal injury law.
