A teenager from Pasco is in trouble after he rolled his car on Interstate 182 in Richland. According to the Washington State Patrol, the young man was distracted and on his cellphone late Monday night prior to the incident.
Officials are recommending charges that include dangerously driving distracted and using a cellphone while behind the wheel as well as driving with no valid insurance or driver’s license.
After the SUV the man was driving rolled, he crashed, suffering injuries. Emergency personnel took him to the hospital for treatment.
Officials did not specify whether the driver was talking or texting. However, it’s important to note that either way, he was in the wrong. Driving while using an electronic device is against the law. Putting yourself and others in danger should be out of the question for any driver of any age. Unfortunately, too many unexperienced drivers make this mistake.
Distracted Driving Is A Problem For Young Drivers
Teens and young adults are more likely to drive while distracted. Despite this reality, many parents fail to talk to their children about the risks.
If you’re a parent and your child is learning to drive, make it clear that distractions are not allowed. Explain to them that driving a car takes a great deal of responsibility. Breaking the law will not only put you at risk of being pulled over, but it will also put lives in jeopardy.
While we are grateful that this incident didn’t result in fatal or serious injuries, we hope young drivers learn from this motorist’s mistakes.
If you’re a veteran driver and you think you’re immune to distraction, think again. While teens and young drivers are more likely to be on their phones, distractions vary greatly. Even talking to passengers can take your attention away from the road.
If you want to make sure you and your loved ones are safe, take defensive driving classes and make sure your teenage children do, too.
