The Danger
"Teens have the highest crash risk of any age group, and research confirms that distraction is often a factor," Jonathan Adkins, the group's executive director, said in a statement. Indeed, teens represented the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of a fatal crash, based on the 2012 data used in the report (the latest available), and 57% of those killed were the teen drivers themselves.
Unexpectedly, the research indicated that the youngest and most inexperienced motorists were actually among those least likely (with the exception of drivers 60 and older) to use a mobile phone while driving. "Many brand new teen drivers recognize passengers and portable electronics are distracting. But as they gain experience and become more confident in their driving skills, their attitudes about talking and texting while driving, as well as transporting passengers, changes," Adkins added.
Distraction caused by multiple passengers is also problematic for new drivers. The probability of a crash increases with each passenger riding with a young driver, as it's often tempting for teens to pay attention to their passengers than to the road.
Unexpectedly, the research indicated that the youngest and most inexperienced motorists were actually among those least likely (with the exception of drivers 60 and older) to use a mobile phone while driving. "Many brand new teen drivers recognize passengers and portable electronics are distracting. But as they gain experience and become more confident in their driving skills, their attitudes about talking and texting while driving, as well as transporting passengers, changes," Adkins added.
Distraction caused by multiple passengers is also problematic for new drivers. The probability of a crash increases with each passenger riding with a young driver, as it's often tempting for teens to pay attention to their passengers than to the road.
Help is on the Way
Superior driver education programs and graduated driver licensing systems can help a great deal with such issues—as can strict, but fair, enforcement of reasonable, well-drafted traffic laws. Of particular note:
Potential distractions are everywhere, and no driver is immune to the hazards. Considering that distracted driving can lead to slower reactions times than even a blood alcohol content of 0.08% (the presumptive limit in all 50 states), we should all have an interest in doing whatever we can to keep teens—and all drivers—distraction-free behind the wheel.
- New York will soon have the nation's toughest distracted-driving penalties. Beginning November 1, 2014, drivers under the age of 21 will face a 120-day license suspension for a first conviction and a 1-year suspension for a second. And state law is complemented with aggressive enforcement that includes utilizing unmarked, raised sport utility vehicles that allow officers to better spot drivers who are texting or engaging in other distracting behaviors.
- North Dakota invested federal distracted-driving grant funds to provide law enforcement training in advance of a statewide, high-visibility enforcement initiative and media campaign conducted during Distracted Driving Awareness Month (April). The state continues to support the effort with messages via Pandora, Hulu, and other social media platforms directed to young drivers.
Potential distractions are everywhere, and no driver is immune to the hazards. Considering that distracted driving can lead to slower reactions times than even a blood alcohol content of 0.08% (the presumptive limit in all 50 states), we should all have an interest in doing whatever we can to keep teens—and all drivers—distraction-free behind the wheel.
Remember that October 19 – 25 is
Teen Driver Safety Week!
Teen Driver Safety Week!
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