Distractions, combined with speed, are the cause of most teen crashes. A driver’s inability to react successfully to normal driving challenges or a driving emergency is diminished if the driver is distracted. New drivers are even more challenged because they lack the experience to analyze probable solutions. As with every generation, teens feel invincible. Even a more experienced 20-year old driver has a response time of a 70 year-old driver when distracted while driving.

It is important to minimize distractions and create an environment that allows full attention to the road. Some of these distractions include:

Cell phone use
Fatigue
Number and behavior of people in the vehicle
Finding a radio station or CD
Applying make-up
Arguing
Drinking alcohol or other use of drugs
Eating or spilling foods or beverages
Looking around for something in the car
Looking at other accidents
Unfamiliar with where they are going

Cell Phone Use

‘Be Sensible’ Tips for New Drivers

Drivers from age 16 to 20 are four times more likely to be involved in a distraction-related collision. It is estimated that half of the 10-18 year olds in the U.S. use a cell phone, and laws are being passed in several states to prohibit new teen drivers from using a cell h one while driving a vehicle.

The National Transportation Safety Board research has shown that drivers using wireless telephones while driving can lose situational awareness and experience “inattention blindness”. Cingular recommends that teens not use a wireless device when driving during their graduated-licensing period. These suggestions will help you use your cell phone wisely.

Ask passengers to help by changing the CD or radio station, placing a cell phone call or reading directions to you.
If you don’t have a passenger, wait until you come to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign before changing the CD or radio station.
If you must take or place a call, pull off the road into a safe, well-lit area or let an incoming call go to voice mail.
It’s best not to eat and drive at the same time. If you’re traveling with someone, take turns driving while the passenger eats.
Avoid stressful or emotional conversations while driving.
Don’t be a “rubbernecker.” Let your passengers do the sight-seeing while you drive

Fatigue

Fatigue is a huge contributing factor to collisions—for teens and adults—and creates an inability to remain attentive and responsive while driving. According to health experts, there are four common causes for fatigue and it is a good idea to see a doctor if you are always tired, excessively forgetful, sleep in class, or are unable to pay attention.

Anemia (low blood count) is common among teen girls who have eating disorders or extreme diets to be thin while not replacing the iron they lose every month during menstruation.

Infectious mononucleosis is commonly seen in teenagers and extreme tiredness is the most common feature. Other less frequent illnesses that have energy loss include hepatitis, tuberculosis and thyroid disease.

Too many activities can cause teenage exhaustion. Late nights, early morning school classes, crashing for exams, homework, activities, part-time jobs, friends, and athletics—a signal that there may be too much going on in your life. Evaluate the most important responsibilities and allow yourself to come closer to the recommended 9 hours of sleep per night.

Medications for allergies or other conditions, illegal drugs, and alcohol cause fatigue.