Study Finds Maryland Drivers Most Likely to Text and Drive

A new study commissioned by AAA has found that a majority of drivers are well aware of the dangers of distracted driving, yet continue to engage in the risky practice anyway. The study also found that drivers in Maryland are the most likely group of drivers in the nation to text behind the wheel. The conclusions found in this study are disturbing, and demonstrate that drivers often choose to disregard facts and statistics about dangerous driving practices.

At The Yost Legal Group, we continue to work hard to spread awareness about the dangers of Distracted Driving, which include texting & driving and drinking & driving.

The AAA study found some very interesting statistics that shed some light on why we continue to see so many distracted driving accidents in Maryland despite the fact that the dangers of the practice are well publicized. Here are some of the most eye-opening findings from this study:

• 1 in 4 Maryland drivers reported being in a serious car accident within the last two years, and yet 33% of Marylanders still admitted to using their phones while driving.
• The number of Maryland drivers that admitted to texting and driving is 6 percentage points higher than the national average of only 27%.
• Approximately 67%, roughly two thirds of respondents, indicated that they believed hands-free devices were safe to use while driving. Numerous studies have shown that this is false, and that the distraction of a conversation is more than enough to put drivers and those around them at a higher risk to be involved in an accident.
• 60% of Marylanders admit to speeding on residential and neighborhood streets.
• The number of Maryland drivers that admitted to speeding in residential areas is 12% higher than the national average.

The national awareness program Distraction.gov is an organization dedicated to spreading awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, especially among younger motorists. Many parents will attest to the fact that their teenagers can sometimes seem inseparable from their phones and mobile devices, but using this technology while behind the wheel can be deadly. Here are some key facts to remember:

• Sending a text message while driving at a speed of 55mph is roughly equivalent to driving the entire length of a football field while blindfolded.
• Drivers that text behind the wheel are 20 times more likely to be involved in an accident than non-distracted drivers.
• Talking on a cell phone while driving reduces the amount of brain activity focused on the road and your surroundings by 37%.

If you are the parent of a young or teenage driver be sure to speak with them about the dangers of this habit early and often. Instilling good driving habits at an early age will be a crucial tool that parents and community leaders can use to reduce the number of motorists involved in distracted driver accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted, intoxicated or reckless driver, you will need an experienced legal team on your side to ensure that your rights as a victim are protected. The Yost Legal Group has years of experience dealing with all types of Auto Accident and Injury cases, and we promise to represent your rights to the fullest.

Call The Yost Legal Group today at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529) to speak with an experienced, dedicated and compassionate attorney about your case. You will receive a FREE, confidential consultation with a Baltimore, Maryland Auto Accident attorney that will help you understand the details of your case. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait. Call today.

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