When it Comes to Texting and Driving Parents are Poor Role Models

A new survey has found that when it comes to texting and driving, parents are not the best role models for their children. In the study commissioned by Everquote and carried out by the survey platform, Pollfish, 55 percent of 1,200 teen respondents readily admitted that cell phones are the biggest driving distraction they face compared to 73 percent of the 1,500 parents who were surveyed.

What the Survey Shows

However, 24 percent of the parents admitted to knowingly texting or calling their teen while he or she is driving and worse, they underestimate how frequently they do this. When asked whether their parents call or text them while they’re behind the wheel, 44 percent of teens said their parents do.

Parents also seem to be delusional, according to the survey, regarding their own texting and driving habits. While 63 percent of the parent respondents admitted to using a phone while driving, 62 percent also said they believe their driving habits set a good example for the kids. Only 21 percent of the teens surveyed believe distracted driving is worse than driving drunk.

The Problem of Distracted Driving

Statistics show that in 2015 alone 3,477 fatalities and 391,000 injuries were reported as a result of traffic accidents in the United States involving distracted drivers. Transportation officials believe those numbers might have gone up in the last year and a half. Officials say the increase in traffic accident fatalities in 2016 could be attributed to more distracted drivers on the road.

Here are some ways in which both parents and teens can cut down on distracted driving:

• Make a habit of thinking about the calls you need to make and the texts you need to send before you start driving.
• Just as you might assign a designated driver if you plan to consume alcohol, use a “designated texter” to send necessary messages if you are driving.
• Stow your phone in a place where you cannot access it or look at it. Put it in the glove compartment or in the back seat.
• Silence notifications that might tempt you to check your phone while driving.
• There are several apps on the market that allow you to block incoming messages or send automatic responses to let your family and friends know you are driving.

If you have been injured due to the actions of a distracted driver, call an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you better understand your legal rights and options.