Editorial: Young Moms Show High Rate of Distracted Driving

A report by the Herald-Dispatch on January 25, 2013 states that young mothers tend to show a high rate of distracted driving. A new survey by the Safe Kids Worldwide and American Baby magazine found that 78% of mothers with children under the age of 2 admitted to talking on their cell phones while driving with their children in the car. 26% of those mothers also admitted to texting and/or checking email while driving with their babies or toddlers in the backseat. The article states that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates drivers who are texting are 23 times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. “Everyone wants to think they’re a good driver, especially when they’re a mom,” Laura Kalehoff, executive editor of American Baby, told USA TODAY. “You pick out the safest car seat, the safest crib, and you want to feel like you’re making the right choices. They thought they were being better drivers, while their behavior showed otherwise.” A survey taken determined that about 10% of the 2,396 mothers had in fact been in a car accident while driving with their children. Most of the mothers in the survey felt as if they were safe and cautious drivers. Most states have taken some action when it comes to preventing texting and driving whether it be traffic stops and checkpoints or public service campaigns. However, the best motivation will come from family and friends. Constantly reminding our loved ones to put aside the cell phone while driving and/or turn off the sound to their devices to help resist temptation can potentially save lives. If you or a member of your family has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact us for a free appraisal.