It’s Time To Rebuild Your Life

Why you shouldn’t teach your teen driver to text at red lights

On Behalf of | May 26, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

For many new drivers, ignoring technology at the wheel is one of the biggest challenges. Honestly, many adults struggle with the appropriate use of technology while driving, which is likely one of the reasons why manual phone use while driving is against the law in Connecticut.

Mobile device distraction has become a serious issue on the road, causing thousands of preventable crashes every year. Some people read and respond to text messages while driving or record videos to post to social media while at the wheel. Anyone can make bad choices, but distracted driving is especially dangerous for those without adequate driving experience.

As someone training a teenage driver, you want to teach your kids the best safety practices and all of the workarounds that help you stay safe. Though you may think that teaching a young driver to text at a red light or four-way stop would be better than demanding they not text at all, it is not as safe as you might think.

Distraction continues when you put down the device

Manual distraction with your hands isn’t the only distraction you experience when you handle a mobile phone. You also have visual distraction from looking at the phone and cognitive distraction as you think about your phone or the message that you receive.

All three of those forms of distraction could be dangerous, but even when you look forward and resume your grip on the steering wheel, your cognitive distraction doesn’t end. If someone puts their phone down when the light turns green, they will drive while still experiencing significant cognitive distraction.

Researchers have determined that the average person will not fully refocus on driving until 27 seconds after they put their phone back down. Your teen driver will not have their mind focused on safety if they grab their phone to fire off a few texts every time they stop at a red light.

A total tech blackout is the best option

While it can be frustrating to disconnect at the wheel, it is the safest option. Teaching your teen driver not just to set their phone down but to also turn the ringer off is important for their overall safety. Drivers are less likely to experience cognitive distraction if they do not know when new messages or emails hit their devices.

You can improve the chances of your teen following your distraction rules by setting an example with your own phone while at the wheel. Addressing the concerns that contribute to modern car crashes, like distracted driving, will help keep you and your teen drivers safe.

 

Archives

FindLaw Network

Verdicts & Settlements

36-year-old laborer for landscaping company fractured wrist when fellow employee hit him with truck. Claimant received in excess of $30,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for total disability and medical expenses and settled with automobile insurance company for fellow employee for $95,000.

1989 workers’ compensation claim settled for $125,000. Claimant originally sustained a low back injury when she slipped and fell at local grocery store resulting in low back surgery in 1989. Several years later, claimant exacerbated her low back injury. Claim was reopened and settled with carrier for $125,000 in 2006.

47-year-old deli clerk sustained low back injuries at work for local supermarket. Carrier originally denied claim on the grounds that the injury was pre-existing. After formal workers’ compensation hearing carrier accepted claim and paid all total disability benefits and medical expenses in excess of $100,000. Case then settled for an additional $100,000 after injured person received a permanent disability rating.

34-year-old male roofer sustained multiple injuries to his shoulder, neck, back and hip when he fell from roof during work. Claimant was provided workers’ compensation benefits in excess of $100,000 and settled remaining claims for an additional $55,000.

40-year-old male working for cleaning company sustained neck and low back injuries when he fell on defective staircase while cleaning local museum. Claimant recovered over $95,000 in workers’ compensation benefits and resolved claim against museum for $85,000.

26-year-old laborer sustained fractured foot when a cast iron pipe was dropped on his foot. Employer and workers’ compensation carrier denied claim on basis that injured worker was an independent contractor. After a series of informal and formal workers’ compensation hearings, carrier conceded that claimant was an employee and settled case for $85,000.

24-year-old waitress sustained back injury while working at Outback Steak House. Workers’ compensation insurance company initially denied the claim. After a series of informal hearings, carrier accepted claim paying medical expenses and total disability benefits. In addition to those benefits paid, claim settled for an additional $75,000.

Delivery truck driver sustained right wrist fracture in rear-end motor vehicle accident while in the course of his employment. Claimant recovered in excess of $40,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses and total disability benefits. Claimant settled case against at-fault driver for $105,000.

22-year-old male working as stocking clerk at “big box” retailer sustained herniated disc in low back. Workers’ compensation carrier refused to accept the claim. After formal workers’ compensation, hearing commissioner ordered carrier to pay over $35,000 in past total disability benefits and pay for surgery and all related medical expenses. Case settled for an additional $35,000 for a total recovery in excess of $100,000.

Rear-end collision on entrance ramp to Merritt Parkway resulting in 49-year-old woman sustaining mid-back injury. Case settled at mediation after filing suit for $300,000.

28-year-old passenger sustained multiple herniated discs in automobile accident in New York state. New York no-fault carrier paid for extended period of disability from work and medical expenses, including expenses for surgery. Case settled against driver of vehicle for $300,000 policy limits shortly after filing suit.

54-year-old man sustains shoulder injury when hit from behind by uninsured motorist on New Jersey Turnpike. Case settled for $135,000 prior to trial.

CT Transit bus driver sustained torn meniscus in collision with another vehicle. Claims made against at-fault driver, workers’ compensation carrier and client’s underinsured motorist policy. All claims settle for a recovery in excess of $100,000.

68-year-old woman sustained neck and back injuries in rear-end collision and required extended course physical therapy, but was not a surgical candidate. Case settled for $100,000 prior to filing suit.

34-year-old woman sustained concussion and neck and back injuries in hit-and-run accident on a New York highway. Claimant settled uninsured motorist claim for her $100,000 policy limits.

80-year-old woman sustained right foot fracture when her foot was run over in a parking lot. Case settled for at-fault driver’s policy limit of $100,000 prior to filing suit.

38-year-old nanny sustained right femur fracture when she fell down defective stairs in home of her employer’s neighbor. All medical expenses and lost wages reimbursed and case settled for an additional $150,000.

Claim against landlord for defective staircase in multi-family rental house. Claimant sustained a right femur fracture. Case settled for $125,000 prior to filing suit.

$95,000 judgment obtained against bar and nightclub for assault by one of its patrons against another patron.

47-year-old woman sustained a broken left wrist when she fell from porch stairs at house she was renting. Case settled for $95,000 shortly before trial.

26-year-old male bitten on leg by German shepherd. Claim against dog owner settled for $65,000 plus payment of all medical expenses.