Teenagers love to talk on cell phones, but are they putting them away when they get behind the wheel of a car?

A new study indicates that many teenagers are not convinced that distracted driving is dangerous. According to a nationwide survey by Bridgestone Tires only half of the 2,000 drivers ages 15 to 21 who were surveyed as to whether they thought they were safe drivers said they thought distracted drivers were dangerous.

In fact, most reported that they themselves were not distracted behind the wheel of the car because they had taken extra precautions to avoid distractions, the survey reports. However, one out of every four teenagers surveyed said they don’t believe talking on a cell phone while they are driving is dangerous.

Indeed, one third (33%) of those surveyed admitted to reading text messages while driving and two thirds believed they were “very safe” drivers – but only half admitted their parents would agree with that assessment.

Overall teenage girls are far more distracted behind the wheel than boys, but more disturbing is the fact that the teens surveyed reported that their parents engage in distracted driving more than they do.

“Teenagers will not stop using their cell phones if they see their parents and other adults using them,” said Attorney West Seegmiller, founder of the Seegmiller Law Firm. “Parents need to show a good example to their children from a young age if they want their teenagers to follow their advice.”

Key Facts and Statistics Provided by www.distraction.gov.

• In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in crashes involving driver distraction, and an estimated 448,000 were injured. (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration)
• 16% of fatal crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving. (NHTSA)
• 20% of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving. (NHTSA)
• In the month of June 2011, more than 196 billion text messages were sent or received in the US, up nearly 50% from June 2009. (CTIA Wireless)
• Teen drivers are more likely than other age groups to be involved in a fatal crash where distraction is reported. In 2009, 16% of teen drivers involved in a fatal crash were reported to have been distracted. (NHTSA)
• 40% of all American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put people in dange (Pew)
• Drivers who use hand-held devices are 4 times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. (Monash University)

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident due to a distracted driver we know that this is a difficult time. We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the victim. For roughly 30 years, the legal experts at Seegmiller Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients who were injured in serious traffic accidents or have lost a loved one.

Our legal team has also handled hundreds of wrongful death claims for families of victims killed in traffic accidents. Our staff is compassionate and understands the pain its clients are going through. We know that this is a difficult time for those who have been injured and for the families of those who have been killed.

There is no cost to clients until our experienced team of lawyers and legal professionals have won your case. Finding the best car accident attorney can mean you will get the settlement you need to get your life back on track. Compensation for your injuries, loss of wages and pain and suffering can’t take away the trauma of the accident, but it can help you rebuild your life.

Call us today at 1-855-ASK WEST to speak with our car accident law firm. Seegmiller Law Firm has offices in California including its headquarters in Irvine. We also have offices outside of Orange County to serve you in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside and in Las Vegas, Nevada.