Distracted Teen Driving

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Distracted driving is a far bigger problem than we realize, according to a new study out of the US, AAA Looked at 17 hundred videos that show both the road and the driver seconds before a crash. And distraction was a factor in almost 60% of them.

Previous data showed distractions played a part in about 14% of teen driver crashes.

Cell phone use, looking at something other than the road, personal grooming, and talking to passengers.

They’re habits that cause as many as six in ten teen car crashes, according to videos analyzed by AAA Traffic Safety Foundation.

Steve Welton is the Hamilton Police Social Media guru and he says the more technology, the more distractions.

“Literally at every corner of our city we can see eyes going down to their laps, and we know what they’re doing. it’s really frustrating as a police officer.”

In his 28 years at Young Drivers of Canada, Angelo DiCicco has also watched the dangerous trend grow.

“Fear of missing out. Thats why they’re constantly connected. They want to know what’s happening.”

Ironically, he says when you’re checking your devices, you are missing out.

“Live in the moment. Zen driving. Same thing.”

Otherwise “you miss out on the experience of actual physical driving. that’s one of the greatest pleasures, and it’s still legal.”

According to the study, the number one distraction causing collisions was interaction with passengers.