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Teenagers already get a pretty bad rap when it comes to driving performance. Unfortunately, they've earned it. Teens aged 16-19 years old are responsible for 2.7 times the average of crashes in which an older adult is at the wheel. As brand new drivers, 16-year old drivers cause 3.7 times the number of crashes as any other driver age group. The stereotype these days of a teenager who crashes is that of a boy or girl on a cell phone, texting or talking. However, texting while driving is not the most common reason for teen car accidents. If you are the parent of a teenager, you need to be aware of a new study that broadens the scope of distracted driving.

Unusual data collection method

This new study allows perhaps the clearest look at teen car crashes ever. Many parents install new in-car technology that activates dash cams under certain conditions, such as hard braking or swerving. The cameras not only provide video footage but also provide audio and acceleration data for the six seconds previous to and four seconds following activation. The study analyzed 1,691 moderate to severe accidents involving teenage drivers 16-19 years old.

Surprising results

The expected results of this study were that teens would primarily have been texting before these crashes. Nearly 60% of the accidents were caused by driver distraction; however, cell phones were not the biggest culprit when it comes to taking a driver's attention:

• 15% of crashes were caused by drivers talking to passengers

• 12% involved texting or talking on cell phones

• 10% of drivers were looking at something inside the vehicle rather than watching the road

• 9% were looking at something outside the vehicle besides the road

• 8% of drivers were singing or moving to music

• 6% of drivers were grooming

• 6% were reaching for something

Clearly, distraction is so much more than the stereotypical texting while driving.

National numbers

These results should add clarity to the national statistics on teen car accidents. For instance, the leading traffic violations in teen crashes are unsafe speed, right of way, improper turns, and right of way infractions. In light of the results from this study, it is possible that distracted teens are not necessarily bad drivers, but rather, inattentive ones. The fact that these violations cause more accidents than being under the influence of drugs/alcohol bear witness to the idea that driver education courses should feature distraction awareness.

Recommendations for change

Discussion of this study's results will likely lead to changes in the laws affecting teen drivers. Some suggested measures are

• stricter limits on passengers during the first few years a teen is licensed

• improved monitoring of teens' cell phone use while driving

• improved graduated licensing programs

Parental involvement critical

You exert the greatest influence of anyone over your young driver. Because of this, it is vital that you talk with your teen on an ongoing basis about the importance of attentive driving. Make rules about passengers--you may need to be even more strict than the laws in your state. Set expectations for cell phone use while driving--and then keep them yourself. Remember, your teen is likely to do what you do, not what you say! And lastly, consider installing technology that is becoming increasingly available to monitor teen driving. Choices include

1. GPS tracking/notification. This allows parents to monitor teens' speed and location, even notifying you if excessive speed is recorded.

2. MyKey. Some manufacturers allow parents to set controls for their teens while driving. Examples include no radio until the driver's seatbelt is fastened and restrictions on how fast the vehicle can go.

3. Enhanced cruise control. Other manufacturers allow features that set pre-set distances from cars in front of your teen. When a car gets too close, your teen's vehicle will automatically back off to avoid a collision.

Ultimately, however, the most important way to create a safe teen driver is to get personally involved in the process. Take a hands-on approach to training, ask sites like http://www.sarklawfirm.com/ for more info, and set accountability measures for when you have to take your hands off.