When driving, there is nothing more important than paying attention to the road, as well as what is going on around you. Taking your eyes off the task at hand, even for a second, could result in serious injury or even death.
Many of our Maryland readers are aware of the risks associated with driving while texting, as they stay current with related news stories.
The Vermont Health Department is concerned about the growing number of youths who are texting while driving. A recent report uncovered this public health threat, noting that high school students are engaging in this dangerous behavior in record numbers.
The report showed that 59 percent of senior students were driving and texting. That is a large number, especially when you consider the fact that this is likely the case in other states throughout the country.
Vermont’s Deputy Health Commissioner feels that this should be addressed in a variety of ways, saying, “This is a relatively new public health threat and so I think we can really learn from what we’ve done with other public health challenges.”
Even though texting while driving is illegal in many states, it has not stopped everybody from engaging in this activity. Police must continue to crackdown, while others educate those around them on the dangers.
Texting and driving is illegal in Maryland, but this doesn’t mean that people don’t try it anyway. Unfortunately, this activity often results in serious car accidents. Being injured by somebody who was texting and driving can result in a civil action against the at-fault driver for such claims as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.
Source: VPR, “Texting While Driving Now A Public Health Threat” Bob Kinzel, Jan. 23, 2014
