Texting & Talking on Cell Phones Make Nighttime Driving Even Riskier for Florida Teens

Teens love cell phones and don’t know life before these devices. You can often see them texting their friends or chatting on the phone. These activities are harmless most of the time, but not when teens are driving at night. This form of driving distraction can lead to deadly Florida car accidents.

According to research conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute, nighttime driving is becoming more dangerous for teens and the likely culprit is texting and talking on cell phones. The research was based on data from fatal crashes that occurred between 1999 and 2008. The study authors found that the proportion of deadly accidents at night involving drivers 16 to 19 years old across the nation went up by 10 percent. They attribute this increase to distracted driving.

“We know driving at night is dangerous. We know using a cell phone behind the wheel compromises your ability to drive. Put those together and you have created a perfect storm,” said Bernie Fette, senior research specialist for the Texas Transportation Institute.

During the time period that was included in the study, 1999 to 2008, fatal accidents actually went down. However, the percentage that occurred at night increased. According to the study, in 2008 just under half of the fatal crashes that involved drivers ages 16 to 19 occurred in the evening.

The information used in the study was taken from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). While FARS doesn’t provide a lot of insight into cell phone and texting as far as factors in fatal crashes, the study authors were able to examine the tremendous growth in cell phone use. That is partially how they came to their conclusion.

Fette believes that many teenagers start using cell phones long before they obtain their driver’s licenses. They mistakenly believe that they can multitask in every situation, including driving.

If you have been hurt in a car accident in St. Petersburg or the surrounding area, contact an experienced St. Petersburg car accident attorney at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947. You can also fill out our online contact form.

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