Teen Driver Loses Control While Reaching For Cell Phone

Local media reports that a Brazil, Indiana, teenager was injured in a one-car traffic accident on State Road 46 near Bowling Green yesterday morning.  The driver apparently became distracted while reaching for a cell phone, lost control, and struck an embankment and then a culvert.  First responders extricated her from the vehicle; the teen was then transported to the hospital and later released. Fortunately for the driver, the injuries (lacerations, contusions, and chest pain) do not appear to be serious.

We’ve previously blogged that cell phones in cars can be the perfect storm for inexperienced and sometimes reckless teenager drivers who have a tendency to wind up in a car wreck. In fact, cell phone use and texting is illegal in Indiana for drivers below age 18.  In this an instance, it should be noted that the driver was in danger by merely looking for the phone and wasn’t even using it. As we’ve pointed out, defensive driving means being alert behind the wheel at all times and staying away from wireless devices. Distracted driving can be a huge risk factor in a fatal accident.

The Indiana State Police reminds motorists of all ages that cell phone use while driving is inherently dangerous and should only be used in emergency situations. Roadway safety for the entire family is something to keep in mind as we approach the long Labor Day weekend.