Society seems to have a tendency to associate irresponsibility with teenagers. For example, drug abuse campaigns are targeted mainly at teens rather than the general population, despite the fact that adults fall victim to these substances as well. Similarly, today’s general mindset is that casualties due to texting while driving are a result of the actions of teenagers. While it is true that teenagers have statistically fallen victim to car crashes because they were texting while driving, adults are not free from blame.

A poll provided by AT&T shows that about half of all adults surveyed admitted to texting while driving compared to 43% of teenagers.  One must keep in mind, however, that these percentages only account for individuals who conscientiously admitted to texting while driving. The reality is that these percentages might be higher with completely honest responses. Moreover, the poll shows that about 98% of adults who were surveyed knew that texting while driving is wrong. A good portion of adults not only text while they drive, but also know their action’s harmful consequences. This poll also indicates that the incidence of texting while driving has increased rapidly over the past few years. This trend may be surprising to many, as there have been campaigns solely dedicated to reducing the occurrence of distracted driving.  Nevertheless, the numbers continue to rise.

Why do teens usually take most of the blame for texting while driving? Some say the habit may be associated with teens because of their young age and lack of experience behind the wheel. When a few Berkeley students were asked this question, they attributed teens’ negative reputations as drivers to learned behavior. Junior Jordan Lowrey said, “By the time that you’ve been driving for six to ten months, you become comfortable driving and overly confident, so that you believe that you can do more things like text and drive, eat food while you are driving—all the things you’ve seen your parents do.” According to junior Rachel Weinbren, the teen reputation for bad driving is appropriate. Weinbren said “When there are issues, people tend to place the blame on people that usually deserve the blame.”  Although a person may feel comfortable enough to multitask behind the wheel, the sad truth is that about nine people are killed every day due to distracted driving, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Floridians have started to be more careful on the road due to new legislation that prevents drivers from using their cellphones to text or email (with some exceptions). Yet, this legislation is a bit complicated. For example, drivers can text or email at a red light and, while on the go, use their phones to listen to music or use Siri. Furthermore, texting while driving is a secondary offense in Florida, meaning police officers can not cite drivers unless they committed another offense. In other states, there are laws to prevent hand-held cell phone use or all cell phone use behind the wheel. Some states also have lanes for motorists to stop and use their phones before resuming their commute.

In Florida, the new legislation is a step toward curbing distracted driving. But legislation aside, drivers, both teens and adults, need to consider the consequences of all choices they make behind the wheel.