Alaskan teenagers know that texting while driving is dangerous. Not all teens are aware that other distractions can be just as dangerous as texting. Awareness campaigns are relatively successful, with some surveys showing fewer teens are engaging in distracted driving.
The results of one study show teenagers do a number of things while driving that are as distracting as texting.
The study performed found that 27 percent of teenagers surveyed sometimes change their clothes or shoes while behind the wheel. The researcher states this problem is a result of teenagers not being aware that multitasking is as dangerous as texting. This is a problem that should be addressed, especially since a high percentage of car accidents are caused by distracted driving.
In the study, researchers asked teenagers to participate in a driver education class. The class was designed to help understand the dangers of multitasking while driving. The teenagers held a conversation on the phone while doing other tasks, including writing down numbers on a chalkboard. A behavioral scientist at the National Institutes of Health states this particular use of classroom intervention was encouraging.
While there are many drivers who do what they can to remain alert behind the wheel, other drivers may drive while talking on the phone, fiddling with their radios or even changing clothing.
A person injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver may wish to file a personal injury lawsuit. To schedule a free consultation contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. toll free at 866.452.3741 or for further information please visit www.merdes.com. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
