Study shows distractions more prevalent in teen crashes
JACKSON, Tenn. — Officials say last year more than 300 crashes in Madison County were a result of distracted driving. “I tell them to not use their phone when they’re driving, and let’s get those conversations over with when they get into the car, and then you can have them when you get out of the car,” Abbie Allen said. Drivers say distracted driving is typical on West Tennessee roadways. “I see it all the time,” Jerry Barrix said. “I see it in rush hour traffic, and lots of people looking at their phone and not looking at the road.” In 2013, officials say there were more than 1,000 teen crashes in Madison County. And distractions such as playing on your phone, talking to passengers or listening to music play a big role. AAA says teens have the highest crash rate of any group in the United States. Out of more than 900,000 teen driver crashes in 2013, AAA says more than 3,000 were deadly.
