Distracted driving is sadly the cause of many accidents across Connecticut. These car accidents, caused by drivers focused on other things than the road, are usually very preventable. Cellphones are one of the biggest distractions on the roads today. While there is not a national ban on cellphone use, numerous states have put laws in place to discourage their use while driving. Unfortunately, despite these laws and record numbers of accidents, texting while driving is still a big problem, especially with young drivers.
It is reported that one in three teens aged 16 and 17 text while driving. The use of cellphones while driving increases the likelihood of causing a car accident with injuries by four to five times. In an effort to make teenage drivers aware of the dangers of texting and driving a local high school, with the help of PEERS Foundation, put several through a simulator to test their ability to drive while using their phone.
Results of the simulator test showed that many of the students who took part in the simulator ended up crashing into cars, animals and pedestrians. All in all, it was a very eye-opening experience for the teenagers who witnessed the simulations. Hopefully, programs such as this will help prevent accidents and even save lives.
Even with education like this, injuries result in distracted driving car accidents all the time. Connecticut resident who have been hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver may pursue a personal injury claim to recoup any financial losses they have endured as a result. If the driver deemed responsible is found liable, a civil court could grant the victim monetary restitution for their injuries, pain and suffering and any other items recoverable under Connecticut laws.
Source: Connecticut Post, Texting and driving: A dangerous message, Robert Hagstrom, Feb. 28, 2014
