Study Shows Teens Who Text At High Risk
By: Robert Bumsted
Updated: March 5, 2013
They're cautious and careful as they study the rules of the road, but new numbers show the nation's youngest drivers are far less cautious when they hit the open road.
According to a study by Liberty Mutual Insurance, 68 percent of teen drivers say they have narrowly avoided an accident, 21 percent of which say that texting was the cause of the incident.
But despite attempts to educate, many teens and adults choose to text behind the wheel. State police sergeant Ron Galaviz says its one of the worst problems facing our roadways today.
"Right now it's the biggest distraction we have because so many people are doing it. The prevalence is unbelievable," said Galaviz.
The state's new law, which goes into affect on Friday, hopes to change that trend.
Reading or sending text messages behind the wheel becomes illegal for people of all ages. Drivers could face a fine of up to $500 if caught.
Galaviz says he hopes that threat will encourage people to change their habits.
"Is sending that text message worth your life?"
Click here to read the law in full: http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2011/HE/HE1129.1.html
According to a study by Liberty Mutual Insurance, 68 percent of teen drivers say they have narrowly avoided an accident, 21 percent of which say that texting was the cause of the incident.
But despite attempts to educate, many teens and adults choose to text behind the wheel. State police sergeant Ron Galaviz says its one of the worst problems facing our roadways today.
"Right now it's the biggest distraction we have because so many people are doing it. The prevalence is unbelievable," said Galaviz.
The state's new law, which goes into affect on Friday, hopes to change that trend.
Reading or sending text messages behind the wheel becomes illegal for people of all ages. Drivers could face a fine of up to $500 if caught.
Galaviz says he hopes that threat will encourage people to change their habits.
"Is sending that text message worth your life?"
Click here to read the law in full: http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2011/HE/HE1129.1.html
