(Article Source: CBS
Baltimore, March 25, 2015)
A new study gives a
rare glimpse to what goes on when teens take the wheel. Traffic officials say
teen drivers have the highest crash rate out of any age group. Their
distraction is more severe than ever reported and now a series of videos proves
it. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety partnered with the University of Iowa
to study the behind-the-wheel behavior of 16 to 19-year-old drivers.
Researchers examined nearly 7,000 videos from cameras mounted in vehicles
showing what drivers were doing seconds before impact and what was happening on
the road. The study reveals distractions were a factor in 58% of crashes. Using
a cell phone is behind many close calls. Looking away from the road or talking
with passengers also led to collisions.
