Study Confirms Distraction Among Teen Drivers at All-Time High

New research reveals that teen drivers are more distracted than ever behind the wheel, despite being fully aware of the dangers of texting and driving.

A study published Feb. 5 in the Journal of Transportation Safety and Security surveyed 3,000 adolescent drivers with the goal of improving young drivers perceptions of the risky behavior. As a byproduct of the researchers efforts, they discovered just how prevalent distracted driving is among the group.

The study concluded that most teens are aware of the risks posed by using a cell phone while operating a vehicle, but they were less cognizant of the distractions created by other activities, such as eating and drinking.

As part of the study, a group of 1,400 teenagers from Idaho, Washington, and Oregon were shown a live presentation on the topic of distracted driving. The group of 14 to 17-year-olds was surveyed about their perspectives on distracted driving hazards. After the presentation, researchers attempted to measure the degree of improved awareness based answers to a follow-up survey.

The researchers concluded that after the presentation, teens were more likely to correctly identify different types of distracted driving that may lead to an accident. Experts believe this is not a fluke, but that presentations do effectively raise awareness among teen drivers.

Based on the research, it seems that teenage motorists are simply ignorant of the dangers that texting and driving or distracted driving pose, and yet this behavior is at an all-time high. As access to the Internet and social media becomes more widespread, the degree to which smartphones have enmeshed themselves in our daily life is apparent.

Teens, more than nearly any other group, are tethered to their phones constantly. Parents and educators must do what they can to inform the next generation of motorists about the risks inherent to reading an email while approaching a stop sign.

At Pitman, Kalkhoff, Sicula & Dentice, our personal injury attorneys know firsthand how common distracted driving accidents are, especially when a teen is at the wheel. If you were harmed because a teen driver was not focused on the road, you have legal options that may entitle you to compensation for your suffering.

Contact PKSD today for a free review of your case.

Call 877-877-2228 or fill out our free case evaluation form here.