WE RESPOND TO YOUR NEEDS 414-271-1440
Teens and Distracted Driving: 25 Percent Admit to Texting While Driving
In Wisconsin, the use of a mobile device while driving is considered a primary offense. This mean a driver can be ticketed for texting while driving or for using a cell phone, even if hands-free, while driving without first being pulled over for another type of traffic violation.
There are several types of distracted driving that put people on the road in danger, including:
- Eating and drinking;
- Reading maps;
- Grooming; and
- Using a navigation system.
However, the frequency of mobile device use can be directly linked to increased distracted driving accidents. According to Distraction.gov, as of this time last year, over 153 billion text messages were sent each month and a high number of those were sent while driving. Additional statistics from the website show that a quarter of teens respond to texts once or more every time they drive.
Last year a report identified the 16-to-19 age range as reflecting the top group responsible for crashes and deaths. It also shared numbers from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WDOT), which reported 28 teenager fatalities and 5,000 injuries due to traffic crashes in 2013.
Anytime a driver does not place full attention on the road, they are violating the law. Inattentive or distracted driving can result in both a fine and points added to a person’s driving record. It also leads to motor vehicle accidents resulting in injuries and in some cases, death.
While laws have been put into place to try and prevent these types of accidents from happening, they still frequently occur. If you have sustained a personal injury in a motor vehicle accident due to a distracted driver in Wisconsin, contact an experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorney today. You may be entitled to compensation. We will discuss your legal options for pursuing a claim.
