How TikTok, Snapchat, & Instagram Are Killing Our Teenagers

Generation Z is coming into its own. Equipped with licenses, cell phones, and a love of all things Billie Eilish, the first half of “Zoomers” are making their mark. While Millennials saw the birth of smartphones, apps, and social media, Zoomers are the first generation to have them since birth. For Millennials, TikTok was the Ke$ha song we played getting ready for a night out. Zoomers know TikTok as a sharing app. Unfortunately, another Zoomer trend is a steep rise in distracted driving.

The Law Office of John B. Richards is tracking this deadly trend. Seeing the largest personal injury verdicts in Santa Barbara three years running, the dedicated team of personal injury lawyers in Santa Barbara, California, are here for you.

Distracted Driving Statistics

In the latest reporting year,

• Distracted driving killed 2,841 people
• The percentage of fatalities is in direct correlation to the number of cell phone subscriptions per capita and messaging volume

While most studies into distracted driving focus on text messaging, other studies show Zoomers favor social media apps to send messages. According to Business Insider,

• Teens spend 55% more time in social media apps compared to Millennials
• Snapchat tops the list for communication, not text messaging.
• TikTok ranks second as the most used app amongst Gen Z

Distracted driving is an epidemic. While the above apps have found the perfect way to appeal to Zoomers, it’s time for us to use similar marketing strategies to curb the fatalities on our roads.

Teen Distracted Driving Deaths Sparks Numerous Petitions and Organizations

Aimed at raising awareness, the internet is full of organizations and petitions moving for change.

• EndDD (End Distracted Driving) is currently teaming up with the Partnership for Distraction-Free Driving to launch a petition that encourages social media companies to;
  • Incorporate warning pop-ups while driving, or disable typing altogether when driving
  • Make public statements that encourage users not to use their apps while driving
  • Partner with highway safety advocates
• Just Drive is a California public awareness and education campaign aimed at appealing to smartphone culture amongst teens.
• DriveSafer is a defensive driving course for teens that educates and trains how to resist the temptation of using a cell phone while driving.

Zoomers are the next great generation for our country. Let’s make sure they make it there.

How We Can Help

As Zoomers take to our streets, a simple Snapchat message could mean the difference between you making it home to your family or not. If you or someone you love has been injured due to the negligent acts of a driver, you need a personal injury lawyer in Santa Barbara, California. You need the Law Offices of John B. Richards. While campaigns and petitions are a great start, another way of provoking change is to make it too expensive for drivers to be distracted. For three years running, the Law Offices of John B. Richards have reached the highest settlements in Santa Barbara, California. Help end distracted driving and make your voice heard. Contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 805-683-2736.