While smartphones and other advanced communication devices have made the world better in countless ways, they have also caused a great deal of texting and driving accidents. Young women and female teens are the victims of these more often than other groups. In fact, a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that young females are 26 percent more likely to be involved in a texting and driving accident.
Why Young Women?
One of the largest factors believed to be the cause is that young women and teens tend to have larger social circles and are more willing to communicate with one another. As a result, younger females are far more likely to find themselves in situations in which they are compelled to text with a friend, family member, or significant other while behind the wheel.
Who Else is at Risk?
Everyone, when it comes to texting accidents. Teens and adults of all genders can find themselves distracted behind the wheel and, even if you think a quick glance down at your phone won’t hurt, it might. Compounding the problem is the fact that texting has become a part of daily life for many people and, as a result, most people think that they can handle texting while driving. Unfortunately, handling reading and responding to texts while driving can be incredibly difficult, and this is even more so the case for inexperienced drivers or drivers who are easily distracted.
The Consequences of Texting and Driving
Texting while driving can lead to physical and emotional injuries that range from bumps, bruises and depression to internal organ damage, coma and death. Because those who text while driving will generally not have the reaction time of an aware driver, they won’t likely be able to avoid or minimize injury during a texting and driving accident. Simple things like hitting the brakes early can generally reduce the potential for severe injuries in a typical vehicle accident but, due to the distraction caused by texting, drivers will often hit other vehicles, pedestrians and objects at full speed, leading to all kinds of serious injuries.
If You’ve Been Injured
If you’ve been injured due to a driver who was texting behind the wheel, it’s important for you to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and a personal injury attorney can help you to seek it. Even if you were charged in a texting and driving accident, you may still be able to seek compensation. Your personal injury attorney can provide you with information about the specific laws surrounding your case, and he or she can also provide representation in court to help you get the compensation you deserve.