By Lauren Rogoff

The next time your niece gives you a call, Auntie, you might want to inquire if she’s behind the wheel. A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that teenage girls are twice as likely as boys to use mobile phones and other electronic devices while they’re driving.

The study analyzed in-car video clips of teen drivers’ behavior, and found that, while electronic devices were the most common type of distraction behind the wheel for both boys and girls, teen girls were twice as likely as teen boys to use an electronic device when driving.

Several other common distractions were noted in the study as well, including adjusting controls, and eating and drinking. "Cell phones, texting, personal grooming, and reaching for things in the car were among the most common distracting activities found when cameras were put in new teen drivers' cars," noted Peter Kissinger of the AAA Foundation. The study also found that loud conversation and horseplay were far more common when teen drivers had a group of friends in the car rather than just one individual in the car with them.

Teen drivers using electronic devices took their eyes off the road for an average of one second longer than those who didn't use such devices. "A second may not seem like much, but at 65 mph a car travels the length of a basketball court in a single second," Kissinger said. "That extra second can mean the difference between managed risk and tragedy for any driver."
So, Auntie, be a role model for your niece or your nephew when you’re driving him or her, talk to him or her about driving safety, and check out more tips for teen driving safety here.

Photo: nuttakit
Published: May 21, 2012