Adults more likely than teens to use cellphones on the road, study finds

Cartwright - August 14, 2020 -

According to a recent report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teens are not the only drivers that may need a reminder of the dangers of cellphone use while behind the wheel.

Interestingly, the report found that adults aged 25 to 39 actually lead all age groups when it comes to cellphone use on the road. Specifically, a whopping 82 percent of respondents in this age group admitted to using cellphones while driving in the last month, with 43 percent admitting to doing so regularly or fairly often. Conversely, only 58 percent of teen respondents admitted they use their phones while behind the wheel – with only 7 percent claiming they sent text messages.

While it is certainly promising to see that teens are actually paying more attention to the road than their older counterparts – especially given their inexperience – the percentage of those using cellphones in both age groups leaves significant room for improvement.

Thankfully, in an effort to make the roads safer and reduce cellphone-related accidents, many states, including California, have passed laws restricting the use of cellphones while behind the wheel.

California laws pertaining to cellphone use while driving

Under California law, it is illegal for motorists to talk on cellphones while driving unless the phones are being used in hands-free mode. Additionally, it is expressly prohibited for California motorists use electronic wireless communications devices – such as cellphones – to write, read, or send text messages while driving. There is an exception to this texting ban, however, for drivers who are able to use their phones in a hands-free manner to dictate or listen to text messages. But, for drivers under the age of 18, there is a blanket ban for all cellphone use, regardless of whether they own hands-free phones or not.

Sadly, given the recent AAA study, many drivers continue to use cellphones while driving, even with laws in place banning the practice. Even worse, these same drivers keep using their phones despite the fact that roughly 90 percent of respondents to the AAA report believe distracted driving is worse now when compared to just three years ago.

Seek legal assistance if injured by a texting driver

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver who was too busy with his or her phone to pay attention to the road, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can assist in investigating the cause of your accident and help ensure your rights are protected.

According to a recent report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teens are not the only drivers that may need a reminder of the dangers of cellphone use while behind the wheel.

Interestingly, the report found that adults aged 25 to 39 actually lead all age groups when it comes to cellphone use on the road. Specifically, a whopping 82 percent of respondents in this age group admitted to using cellphones while driving in the last month, with 43 percent admitting to doing so regularly or fairly often. Conversely, only 58 percent of teen respondents admitted they use their phones while behind the wheel – with only 7 percent claiming they sent text messages.

While it is certainly promising to see that teens are actually paying more attention to the road than their older counterparts – especially given their inexperience – the percentage of those using cellphones in both age groups leaves significant room for improvement.

Thankfully, in an effort to make the roads safer and reduce cellphone-related accidents, many states, including California, have passed laws restricting the use of cellphones while behind the wheel.

California laws pertaining to cellphone use while driving

Under California law, it is illegal for motorists to talk on cellphones while driving unless the phones are being used in hands-free mode. Additionally, it is expressly prohibited for California motorists use electronic wireless communications devices – such as cellphones – to write, read, or send text messages while driving. There is an exception to this texting ban, however, for drivers who are able to use their phones in a hands-free manner to dictate or listen to text messages. But, for drivers under the age of 18, there is a blanket ban for all cellphone use, regardless of whether they own hands-free phones or not.

Sadly, given the recent AAA study, many drivers continue to use cellphones while driving, even with laws in place banning the practice. Even worse, these same drivers keep using their phones despite the fact that roughly 90 percent of respondents to the AAA report believe distracted driving is worse now when compared to just three years ago.

Seek legal assistance if injured by a texting driver

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver who was too busy with his or her phone to pay attention to the road, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can assist in investigating the cause of your accident and help ensure your rights are protected.

Our successful case results are a reflection of the values and virtues we believe in and uphold at Cartwright Law Firm. Nothing stops us from pursuing justice on behalf of those who need it.

Robert E. Cartwright Jr.
Founder and Managing Partner