Texting has replaced drinking as the No. 1 cause of auto accident deaths among teen drivers. The number of teen deaths and injuries related to texting while driving has skyrocketed. Each year, texting while driving results in an estimated 3,000 teen deaths and 300,000 injuries nationwide, according to a recent study by the Cohen Children’s Medical Center. In comparison, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that drinking while driving kills and estimated 2,700 teens and is responsible for an estimated 282,000 teen injuries.

Experts say texting drivers have a higher chance of being involved in serious auto accidents that result in severe injuries or fatalities because texting simultaneously distracts drivers from manual, visual and mental concentration. What is particularly frightening is that laws against texting while driving do not appear to have had any impact on the problem.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, distracted driving of all kinds has become a significant driving hazards. While texting while driving heads the list of distractions connected to auto accidents, other behaviors, including the use of handheld cellphones, are becoming an increasing roadway hazard.

If you are involved in a St. Louis auto accident caused by a distracted or texting driver, contact the expert St. Louis auto accident lawyers at Hoffman and Gelfman today.