Researchers surveyed more than 1,100 teenage drivers and found cell phones are a big distraction behind the wheel – even though many are aware of the danger to themselves and others.
Teenage drivers spend about 21% of their time glancing at their cell phone from behind the wheel, a new survey finds.
Researchers say at least a quarter of those sneak peaks last two seconds or more, a duration which dramatically increases their risk for a crash.
The survey included 11-hundred teen drivers who were asked questions about distracted driving in general and their own habits on the road.
According to their responses, many believe and understand that distractions like cell phones can lead to accidents. And it looks like warnings from parents and friends help put the brakes on the habit – but only to a degree.
The participants reported spending about a fifth of their driving time looking at their phone….and said they believe their peers do the same.
The most common reasons for distraction were entertainment (65%), followed by texting (40%) and navigation (30%). [Unknown A1]
The lead author says, “Encouraging the use of ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode, keeping phones out of reach and ensuring teens get adequate sleep are effective strategies to mitigate this dangerous behavior.”
To date, 35 states have banned all types of phone usage for young drivers.
Source: Traffic Injury Prevention
Author Affiliations: Mass General Brigham, Harvard University, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, The University of Massachusetts, The Technical University of Munich
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