US DOT Funds Survey: Are ADHD Teen Drivers Increasing Accident Rates?
By Sharon Gibson Posted in Car Insurance News
Teen Driver Distractions
More and more evidence is pointing to the fact that an increased number of roadway distractions are making our roads more dangerous. The teenage driver demographic is among one group that is most affected by this onslaught of driver distractions.
NCIPC Reports Motor Vehicle Fatalities Among Leading Causes Of Teen Death
According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), motor vehicle collisions cause more teen deaths each year than any other cause. In fact, in 2009 the NCIPC reported that one out of every three teenage deaths reported was due to a motor vehicle collision.
Researchers believe that an increase in technology related distractions along with an overall lack of driving experience spells disaster for young teen driver.
Researchers Interested In Teen Drivers With ADHD
Although teens in general seem to be more easily distracted while driving, one subgroup of the teen population is especially of interests to researchers. Young drivers who have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) are believed to be at a higher risk. ADHD is a condition that is becoming increasingly common among US children and teens. Symptoms of this disease include being easily distracted, forgetfulness, having difficulty focusing on one task, being impatient, and more. All of these symptoms could lead to an increased risk of being involved in a motor vehicle collision.
Study Targets Cell Phones And Texting As Prominent Driver Distraction
In June of 2009 a study began at The University of Alabama, Birmingham to see what affect roadway distractions have on teen drivers. In particular, principle investigator Despina Stavrinos and fellow researchers are looking into the effects that cell phone usage and text messaging have on teen drivers. The study will test drivers both with and without Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, combine type. ADHD-C is a form of the disease that is believed to put drivers at an even more increased risk of injury while on the road. This study is planned to be carried out over an 11-month period, and is projected to finish in late May of 2010.
Related posts:
- Will Virgina Tech’s Study On Phone Texting Increase Car Insurance Rates?
- Does US DOT Study On Commercial Driver Distraction Mean Rate Hikes?
- How Do You Buy A Young Person’s Car Insurance Policy?
- What’s A Good Price For Student Car Insurance?
- How Do You Get Cheap Car Insurance For Young People?
One Response to “US DOT Funds Survey: Are ADHD Teen Drivers Increasing Accident Rates?”
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ADHD boys are notorious for being “easily distracted, forgetfulness, having difficulty focusing on one task, being impatient,” and the more includes “IMMATURE”. Three of our four sons have ADHD, and we waited until they were almost 18 for them to get their license. Of all three – only one has been ticketed for an accident. (Another son had a minor accident in a parking lot.) When I think about them driving at 16 – I shudder. Of course I think kids in general get their license to early in the US.
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