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Research Shows Adolescent Drivers Devote 21% of Their Time Distracted by Mobile Devices [Video]

**The Disturbing Truth About Teen Distracted Driving in the US**

A new study has uncovered a troubling trend among adolescent drivers in the United States: they spend nearly 21% of their driving duration focused on their phones. This pattern greatly heightens the danger of distracted driving incidents, posing a serious public safety concern.

Though much of the phone engagement consists of momentary looks, over 5% of driving time involves staring at the phone for more than two seconds, which is sufficient to be deemed hazardous. Even with an awareness of the dangers tied to distracted driving, numerous teens persist in this behavior.

The study, which included responses from 1,126 teen drivers from all four US regions and detailed interviews with a smaller group of high school students, indicated that most participants recognized the risks of distracted driving and felt that their parents and peers condemned such actions. Nevertheless, the normalization of phone use while driving continues, with many teens confessing that their friends also partake in this perilous behavior.

The distribution of phone use while driving shows that 30% of screen time is spent on navigation, while messaging constitutes 40% and entertainment applications dominate at 65%. These figures underscore the various ways teens are distracted while operating a vehicle.

In light of this escalating issue, Apple has rolled out features such as “Do Not Disturb while driving,” initially launched in iOS 11. A study conducted by an insurance company revealed that 70% of iPhone users take advantage of this feature. However, it seems that many teens are not making use of these safety options.

Dr. Rebecca Robbins, the principal author of the study from Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, highlights the necessity for interventions that alter social norms and encourage practical measures, such as activating “Do Not Disturb” mode and physically distancing drivers from their devices. She cautions that distracted driving presents a substantial public health danger, particularly among young drivers, jeopardizing not just their safety but also that of others on the road.

Distracted driving has resulted in numerous heart-wrenching accidents, leading to serious injuries and deaths. For parents of teen drivers, it might be advantageous to share powerful videos that demonstrate the grave consequences of distracted driving, fostering a deeper understanding of the associated risks.

Ultimately, the matter of distracted driving among teenagers is urgent and demands immediate focus. By raising awareness and promoting responsible driving practices, we can strive to diminish the occurrence of this hazardous behavior and improve road safety for everyone.