Research studies and reports from traffic safety organizations

Study Reveals 34.1% of Teen Drivers Use Phones While Driving in 12,360 Trips, Increasing Crash Risks 2.5 Times, Says Catherine McDonald

Oct 18, 2024, 12:34 PM

A recent study led by the University of Pennsylvania highlights the dangers of smartphone use among newly licensed teen drivers. Utilizing a telematics app, researchers monitored the phone and driving habits of 119 teens aged 16 and 17 in the Philadelphia area over 60 days. The study found that 34.1% of participants were using their phones while driving, which resulted in sudden accelerations during 43.1% of their 12,360 trips and risky incidents like hard braking in 10.9% of cases. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, indicate that teens who use their phones while driving are significantly more likely to cause fatal crashes. According to lead author Catherine McDonald, teens in the study were 2.5 times more likely to exhibit dangerous driving behaviors, such as rapid acceleration or hard braking, when distracted by their smartphones. McDonald emphasized that newly licensed teens are particularly prone to using their phones while driving and speeding.