A new study is showing that teenagers who use their cell phones when they are driving are more likely to commit more road behavior that is risky. It can be a nerve-wracking day when a teenager gets their driver’s license. They are a new driver with not much experience mixed with an invincible perspective on life, making parents worried that they will follow the rules of the road and get to their destination safely. Studies are always being done to see just how teenagers drive, and what puts them at risk for accidents.
This information can help parents and professionals have productive talks with their teenagers before they get behind the wheel. According to EurekAlert, a study has found that cell phone use while driving may be linked to other “risky road behaviors.”
The study was completed by a team of researchers from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center, and it can be read in full here. It found that those between the ages of 18 and 24 years old who use their cell phone while driving were part of a group who “act before thinking.” This could lead them to other dangers on the road.
This type of thinking is part of being impulsive, and it is a personality trait that a lot of teenagers can have. The study can lead to meaningful conversations with teens, especially those who have been labeled as “impulsive” throughout their development.
The use of cell phones while driving has already been linked to an increased risk of crashes and near-crashes. While there are state laws against using cell phones when driving, it has not had the desired effect.
That is because those who would typically use their cell phone while driving are partaking in other risky driving behavior. The researchers are stating that teenagers need to be taught about all risky driving behavior, and not just using their cell phones when driving. These other behaviors that were noted were speeding, passing vehicles aggressively, and running red lights.
The study involved 384 young drivers, and it found that 44.5% reported that they had already been in a car crash, and 73% of them said that they use their cell phones while driving. Stopping the use of cell phones while driving is important, but they are just part of a more holistic risk, and these risks can be detrimental to your teenager’s health.
Sources: Eureka Alert, MDPI