Teenagers in the United States have always engaged in risky and questionable behavior. But while traditional teen behavior has been a live-and-learn type of affair, the proliferation of instant communication – namely texting devices – has made certain behavior among this age group increasingly dangerous over the past several years. The United States government, through the oversight of the Centers for Disease Control, has conducted its most recent biannual study of worrisome behavior in America.
The study found that while many forms of risky behavior have been on the decrease in recent years, texting while driving has been increasing steadily. The study found that teens interestingly are increasingly engaging in favorable habits such as wearing bicycle helmets and seat belts but are texting while behind the wheel at an ever-increasing rate.
A spokesperson for the CDC indicated that in a general sense, behavior among teens is much healthier than it was 20 years ago. Still, the study, which anonymously surveyed 13,000 high school students across the United States, indicated that 41 percent had texted or emailed while driving during the previous month. The highest number of students texting while driving were found in South Dakota (61%) while the lowest number (32%) was in Massachusetts.
If you, or someone you know, have been injured in a serious auto accident with a distracted driver in Utah, please call the at Hirschi Steele & Baer, PLLC at 801-990-0500 or contact us online today. We have the experience and expertise needed to help you get the compensation you deserve.
