When one thinks of a distracted driver, some residents of St. Augustine, Florida, may have in their heads the image of a busy professional thoughtlessly taking text messages and emails that are work-related while they are driving. Others might envision a younger driver texting his or her social acquaintances and peers.
The reality, however, is that loved ones, particularly those with whom drivers are likely to live, are those most likely recipients of behind the wheel texts or emails, at least according to one study.
Specifically, this study determined that among all drivers, the most likely person with whom they would choose to text and drive was their spouse or significant other. Almost 45 percent of drivers admitted to engaging in this form of distracted driving, with the number spiking to almost 60 percent for drivers who had children under the age of 18.
On that note, 23 percent of all drivers admitted to texting and driving with their children, but 32 percent of drivers who had children under the age of 18 admitted to doing so.
Interestingly, the reason people say that they cannot wait to take a text or email is telling in light of these other statistics. The majority of people, over 60 percent, said that they text and drive because they feel that the communication could involve an emergency, and they want to be available to respond.
Whatever the excuse, though, there is no reason why a person cannot, at least, take the minute or two necessary to pull over to a safe location if there really is an emergency situation. A Florida victim of texting and driving should consider speaking to St. Augustine, Florida, drunk and distracted driving injury lawyers about their legal options.
