Teen Girls Twice as Likely to Use Cell Phones or Other Electronic Devices While Driving

A study recently released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that teen girls are twice as likely as teen boys to use an electronic device, including cell phones, while driving. Girls are also almost ten percent more likely to engage in other distracting behaviors while behind the wheel. Teen boys were found to be twice as likely as girls to turn around in their seats, and were also more likely to talk to people outside of their cars while driving.

Researchers involved in the study looked at in-car video clips of unsupervised new teen drivers in North Carolina. The videos revealed that the most common distractions for both genders were cell phone use, including texting, personal grooming, and reaching for things within the car. Cell phone use was observed in about 7 percent of the video clips. Fifteen percent of the videos showed some other type of distraction while driving, such as eating or drinking, personal grooming or adjusting car controls.

The study found that when teen drivers had a group of passengers in their car as opposed to one passenger, horseplay and loud conversation was far more likely to occur. Older teens were found to be more prone to distracted driving. Researchers believe that as teens become more comfortable behind the wheel, they are more likely to engage in distracted behaviors while driving.

Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S., making it extremely important that teens understand the dangers of distracted driving. Parents should educate their teen about the hazards of distracted driving. If you or a loved one was injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, call or email the automobile accident attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos today. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will evaluate your case for free any answer any questions you may have. We have helped clients with Queens auto accident, Bronx auto accident, Brooklyn auto accident, Manhattan auto accident and Long Island auto accident cases.