Inexperience and Distraction to Blame in Teen Auto Crashes

Teens behind the wheel are more likely to be involved in a crash because they lack proficiency in three important driving skills, a new study says.

Researchers looked for a ''critical reason'' in nearly 800 crashes involving teen drivers and found that inexperience and distraction, not reckless driving or alcohol, caused the collisions.

"This study shows the vast majority of crashes occur not because the teen drivers are behaving badly, but because they have not yet developed the crucial skills they need,'' says Allison Curry, Ph.D., at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

The study was conducted along with State Farm Insurance Companies.

Common errors

Curry and her colleagues found that 76 percent of the crashes were caused by three common errors: lack of ''scanning'' skill to assess the environment sufficiently while behind the wheel; driving too fast for road conditions (not necessarily going over the speed limit, however); or being distracted by something inside or outside of the vehicle - important lessons for parents with teen drivers at home.

"The study really points to specific skills that parents can work on with their teens when teaching them how to drive," Curry says. She recommends that parents work on the following:

• Teach teen drivers to scan, looking far ahead of the car and to the left and right to be aware of their environment.
• Reduce distractions by restricting use of electronic devices such as cell phones, and making sure passengers aren't disruptive.
• Work on speed control by teaching teens how to manage speed for road conditions, traffic, and weather.

Study corrects misconception

Overall, Curry says, the study ''breaks the myth that crashes occur due only to aggressive driving."

According to the CDC, more than 350,000 teens were injured, and more than 3,000 teens were killed in vehicle crashes in the U.S. in 2009. Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death among 13- to 19-year-olds.

Always talk with your health care proivder to find out more information.