A new study indicates to Los Angeles car accident attorneys that it's not just intoxicated driving that is one of the biggest killers of California’s college students.  This category of motorists is also highly susceptible to the risks of distracted driving.  The study finds that more than three quarters of college students talk on their cell phones while driving, or text while driving.

Approximately 70% of the college students reported that they engage in such distracting behaviors while they are driving a car.  That's not all.  Approximately 50% of the students also admitted that they frequently send texts while driving on the freeway.

The survey included more than 5000 college students from colleges in San Diego.  Approximately 60% of the college students said that they frequently send texts while driving in heavy traffic or driving on city streets, while 87% sent texts while they were at a traffic light.  About 52% said that they used hands-free devices some of the time, while approximately a quarter used texting devices frequently.  Only about 12% of the students said that they never used texting devices while driving.

There is a vast body of research that indicates that drivers are at a much higher risk of accidents when they are texting or using cell phones while driving.  According to some studies, the risks are fourfold higher when a motorist is using a hand held cell phone or texting while driving. 

However, that should not be taken to mean that using a hands-free set is completely safe.  Some studies show that using a hands-free set can be just as dangerous as using a hand-held phone, because of the distraction from the conversation that the driver is having. 

Many colleges in California have initiatives in place to discourage students from underage drinking.  This study indicates to Los Angeles car accident lawyers that similar initiatives are also needed to target distracted driving amongst students.