Teen Girls the More Distracted Driver?

Over one in three teens die as a result of a motor vehicle accident, making this the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. Sadly, smartphone capabilities have added to distracted driving, a rising concern as it contributed to more than 3,000 highway deaths in 2010.

Contrary to past studies that put guys at a higher risk for car crashes, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that in this case girls are the more distracted driver. In fact, they’re TWICE as likely to use cell phones or other electronics while driving.

Researchers found that talking/texting while driving was more common for teens than control surfing and eating or drinking.

Below are some other teen driving facts.

• The motor vehicle death rate for male drivers and passengers ages 15 to 19 was two times higher than females.
• Teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use of all drivers.
• Almost 65% of all teen passenger deaths occurred while another teen was driving.
• A 2007 national survey found that nearly three out of 10 teens said they had driven with a driver who had been drinking within the previous month.
• 56% of teen deaths occurred Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
• Young people (ages 15-24) represent 14% of the U.S. population, but they account for 58% ($26 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries, according to the CDC.

What can you do?

• 11 facts about teen driving.
• Lead a driving distraction clean out.
• Host a safe driving contest at your school.