Texting and Driving Can Be Deadly

You might have some idea that texting while driving can be dangerous, but a recent study confirms that the two are an absolutely deadly combination. In a driving simulator while using their MP3 players and sending text messages, twenty-one teens drove out of their lanes, ran over pedestrians and slowed down unnecessarily while being behind the wheel. This study was presented to the Pediatric Academic Societies in May just this year.

The study was conducted using teens as an example due to CDC records showing those between ages of 16 and 20 are responsible for more than 5,000 deaths each year in motor vehicle accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to texting while driving, contact a car accident attorney in Boulder.

Colorado Laws on texting and driving

Colorado has laws that prohibit texting while driving. If the driver is under the age of 18 they are not allowed to use a cell phones while driving at all. They are only allowed to use them for:

* Reporting reckless use of a vehicle by another driver.

* Reporting a hazard to other drivers which are on roadways.

* Reporting a hazardous material or medical emergency.

* Reporting a fire.

* Reporting an accident where one or more injuries has occurred.

Colorado law prohibits all drivers from texting while driving. However, you can only be convicted of breaking this law if a law enforcement officer sees the driver texting while they are behind the wheel of the vehicle.

The dangers of driving while texting

A driver becomes distracted when they text while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 18% of all fatal crashes in 2012 were the result of distracted drivers. That percentage represents over 3,300 people who were killed and an additional 421,000 people injured in crashes resulting from distracted drivers.

A car accident attorney in Boulder will know the law and can help you protect your rights if you or someone you know has been killed or injured as the result of a distracted driver. Driving while distracted by a cell phone endangers both lives and property. The levels these accidents have reached are unacceptable. You deserve experienced legal representation if you have been injured from a distracted driver. A car accident attorney in Boulder can help get you the compensation you deserve.