Black letters appear on a white screen: “How are you d—“
Next arrives the simple but poignant message: “This is the text that killed my best friend.”
Finally, “Was it worth it? Don’t text and drive” reminds a youthful voice.
With the prevalence of young people who own cell phones, inexperienced drivers chatting or texting while on the road has become an increasing problem. Numerous Maryland auto accidents can be attributed to this dangerous phenomenon.
It’s a nationwide problem, too. ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” built a house for a family who lost a daughter to a car crash thanks to texting, and turned the situation into a two-hour special that touted the importance of safe driving.
A grassroots movement in many high schools has prompted teens nationwide to start signing pledges with the promise to stop texting while driving.
In fact, more and more states now are making it illegal to text and drive, and many also are suggesting—if not demanding—that drivers use hands-free devices to talk on their cell phone while on the road.
Maryland doesn’t require hands-free devices, but does strongly encourage their use. Texting while driving recently became illegal here for drivers of all ages.
Despite the flood of messages encouraging young and old drivers alike to put down the phone and focus on the road, bad habits die slowly.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Silver Spring car crash where texting or cell phone use was an issue, you may be able to sue for damages. For more information call the experienced Maryland car accident attorneys of Nickelsporn and Lundin at 1-800-875-9700.