Massachusetts Teens Encouraged to Refrain From Distracted Driving

October 26, 2012

A recent study sponsored by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance Company found that three-fourths of all serious automobile collisions that involved a teenager were caused by speeding, distracted driving, or failing to properly scan the roadway ahead. In addition, an estimated 11 percent of fatal traffic accidents that involved someone under the age of 20 were purportedly caused by a distracted driver. Unfortunately, distracted driving is reportedly on the rise among teens.

Although Massachusetts has enacted a texting while driving ban, the use of mobile electronic devices among young drivers is allegedly increasing. Radios, iPods, electronic maps, calls, emails, and text messages are just a few of the many technological distractions that can affect the safety of teen drivers. Additionally, eating, drinking, and even speaking with passengers may take any driver's attention off of the roadway for too long.

As part of the sixth annual National Teen Driver Safety Week, parents were recently encouraged to speak with their children who are old enough to get behind the wheel about safe driving habits. The "Share, Not Scare" campaign advocates for helping teens commit to behaviors such as turning off their cell phones while driving, buckling their safety belt every time they get into a vehicle, refraining from changing the radio station or other music device, and ensuring teens know how to use motor vehicle safety features such as high-beam headlights. In addition, parents are also being encouraged to demonstrate safe driving habits in front of children of all ages. Teenagers with parents who set driving rules and remain involved as they learn to drive are reportedly half as likely to get into a car accident as other teens.

Massachusetts motor vehicle crashes can be caused by any number of factors such as driver inattention, automobile defects, speeding, weather, and impaired driving. The victim of a Massachusetts car accident may be eligible to recover financial compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If you or a loved one was hurt in an auto collision, you should contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able.

If you were hurt by a distracted or inattentive driver, call the Law Offices of Sousa & Sousa, P.C. at (508) 230-5300 in Brockton today. Our hardworking Easton personal injury attorneys have more than 37 years of combined experience assisting those who were unexpectedly hurt by a negligent driver in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Law Offices of Sousa & Sousa represents clients located in Bridgewater, Taunton, Brockton, Easton, Stoughton, and other surrounding towns. To speak with a diligent personal injury attorney today, do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Sousa & Sousa through the law firm's website.

• Brockton Woman Killed in Eight Vehicle Accident Caused by Man Fleeing from Local Police, Brockton Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, October 17, 2012
• Semi Drivers Cited During Route 24 Crackdown in Stoughton, Brockton Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, September 18, 2012

• 'Sharing Not Scaring' - Focus on Communicating Safe, Smart Behavior during National Teen Driver Safety Week, by Aimee Charest, Easton Patch

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