Teens need to keep their focus on the road. Anything that lessens that focus, even for a few seconds, can be critically dangerous.
Researchers have pinpointed the three-second sequence that occurs just prior to a crash. Within a one-second window, drivers scan for hazards. Two seconds is the average time needed to successfully avoid or lessen the severity of a collision once a hazard is detected. Earlier detection and efficient decisions after detection can help teens avoid a crash or minimize its severity.
Because their search skills are underdeveloped, new drivers often detect a hazard later than experienced drivers. Add a distraction and even more time is lost. These lost fractions of a second can make the difference between a severe crash and a minor crash or near crash.
Think about it – some distractions (talking to a passenger in the back seat, changing the radio, even reaching for a sandwich) can take more than those precious three seconds. One of the reasons speeding is hazardous is that it gives the driver even less time to react to dangers.
Some conditions distract the mind, causing drivers to process decisions more slowly or ineffectively:
Other distractions take the eyes off the road, and may also prevent the mind from focusing on driving. These distractions include, but are not limited to:
The bottom line is that young drivers should have as few distractions as possible. Teens may not see any harm to talking on their cell phone, driving their friends, or eating while driving. After all, they see their friends do it. This is why they need to rely on you to set appropriate rules and boundaries while they remain inexperienced drivers (especially in the first 6-12 months of driving).