Even though most drivers are aware of the dangers of texting and driving, many still engage in the risky behavior. This is not conjecture-in a recent survey, 90 percent of drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 acknowledged the dangers of texting and driving but a shocking 44 percent admitted to still doing it.
They mentioned other distractions such as talking to other passengers, using the radio and even GPS as affecting their driving. With National Teen Driver Safety Week upon them, the Ohio Department of Transportation is teaming up with various law enforcement agencies to promote safe driving, especially among teenagers.
Even though it seems like younger teenagers would engage in the activity more, the Distracted Driving Survey found that older teenagers are more susceptible to these distractions than younger ones in the age range of 16 and 17. These distractions lead to fatal wrecks-in 2013 alone, there were 62 deaths and more than 17,000 accidents attributed to distracted driving in Ohio.
To demonstrate the effects of driving and texting at the same time, computer generated simulation of distractions will be presented to teenagers at various locations throughout the state.
Understanding and recognizing the dangers of texting and driving is meaningless until people start paying heed to the warnings and avoiding this behavior. Refraining from this behavior can save many lives and prevent families from suffering the devastation of losing a loved one suddenly.
Source: wfmj.com, “Survey: 44% of teens admit to texting while driving,” Oct. 20, 2015
