Teen texting and driving continues to be a serious problem that causes a substantial number of car accidents. Although Georgia and a number of other states have laws that prohibit teen texting and driving, difficulties in enforcing the ban have rendered it relatively ineffective.

Almost ninety percent of all teens admit to having engaged in distracted driving according to a survey conducted by the AAA. The online survey showed that teenagers engage in distracted driving practices like using a cell phone or texting when driving even though they recognize the danger. The survey revealed that 84 percent of teens were aware of the dangers of distracted driving but that 86 percent of teens continue to drive while distracted with texting being a very common form of distracted driving.

The results of the investigation of a deadly Missouri multi-car pileup provide yet another reminder of the risks. The federal agency found that the 19-year-old driver that caused the fatal crash sent or received eleven texts in the minutes immediately preceding the fatal crash. According to the Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the driver of the pickup truck that caused the deadly collision was manually, cognitively and visually distracted as he engaged in text messaging while driving. Because the teenager was not paying attention, he slammed into the back of a tractor-trailer initiating a chain reaction multi-car accident. The teenager’s vehicle was hit from behind by a school bus that was in turn hit by another school bus.

The serious accident resulted in the two tragic fatalities and injury to 38 other vehicle occupants. Based on the findings of the investigation, the NTSB has proposed a ban on all use of cell phones and handheld electronic devices while driving. The recommendations of the NTSB are not binding but carry substantial influence with regulators and legislators.

Teenagers that are texting and driving are difficult to identify. However, Sgt. Robert Moody of the Georgia State Patrol indicates that law enforcement must look for signs like vehicles weaving out of their lane or letting off the gas so that the vehicle slows down dramatically. If someone is facing charges for an accident that appears to be caused by distracted driving, law enforcement typically will subpoena the driver’s cell phone records. At Montlick and Associates, we recognize that text messaging continues to cause many accidents, including those involving teen drivers. In serious cases where a lawsuit is filed we also aggressively pursue discovery of any cell records from the other driver to establish evidence of texting prior to an accident.

If you are involved in an auto, truck, or motorcycle collision with a driver that is texting, the experienced Georgia accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates are committed to representing injury victims with compassion and zealousness. Our Georgia distracted driving accident attorneys are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.