Distracted Driving Among Teens: A Growing Concern

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Harvard University have released a new study finding that seven in 10 young people use their cellphones while behind the wheel, with many taking their eyes off the road for two seconds or longer. The study highlights the risks associated with distracted driving, including a 5.5 times greater likelihood of a crash. The researchers surveyed teens across the country and found that entertainment, texting, and navigation were the top reasons for cellphone use while driving. However, the study also found that there are "bright spots" among teens, with three in 10 respondents reporting safe driving practices and a significant association between self-efficacy and distracted driving.

Key Takeaways:

  • 7 in 10 high school students reported using or making long glances toward their phones while driving, lasting two seconds or longer, for about 20% of each trip.
  • The time it takes to read or send a text message, activate maps, or check social media is associated with a 5.5 times greater likelihood of a crash.
  • Entertainment (65%), texting (40%), and navigation (30%) were the top reasons for cellphone use while driving among participants who reported using their phones while driving.
  • Three in 10 respondents reported safe driving practices, such as avoiding phone use while driving, and had role models that practiced safe driving.
  • Self-efficacy, or the ability to make educated choices, was inversely associated with distracted driving. Teens who believed they could avoid distracted driving were less likely to engage in the behavior.
  • Information from the study could be used to craft public health messaging campaigns and behavioral interventions, such as promoting the use of "Do Not Disturb" mode while driving.

Statistics:

  • 70% of high school students reported using or making long glances toward their phones while driving.
  • 20% of each trip involves long glances at the cellphone.
  • 5.5 times greater likelihood of a crash associated with distracted driving.
  • 65% of participants reported using their phones for entertainment while driving.
  • 40% of participants reported texting while driving.
  • 30% of participants reported using their phones for navigation while driving.
  • 30% of participants reported practicing safe driving practices.

Sources:

  • Harvard University Office of News and Public Affairs
  • Rebecca Robbins, professor of social and behavioral sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School

(Note: The original text does not have multiple sources, but the Harvard University Office of News and Public Affairs and Rebecca Robbins are mentioned as the sources of the information in the original text.)