I think we already could have guessed this, but the risk of a crash in novice drivers is increased by distractions, specifically by performing secondary tasks. These tasks included looking at the side of road, reaching for phone or other object, dialing phone, eating, and texting. I have wondered as my teens have started to drive if eating is as great a risk as answering a cell phone. According to this study, reaching for objects and eating are risks themselves.
The risks in 16-17 year old novice drivers was much higher than that in adult, experienced drivers. Among experienced drivers, dialing a cell phone increased the risk of a crash; texting was not tested.
These same researchers previously reported that novice drivers were 3.9 times more likely to crash or near-crash compared with adult drivers, and 5 times more likely to turn sharply or over-correct or slam on brakes. This this study adds how performing secondary tasks increases risks.
The best rules for teenage drivers are to avoid eating and phone use at all, and other distractions and tasks while driving.
Distracted Driving and Risk of Road Crashes among Novice and Experienced Drivers Klauer SG, Guo F, Simons-Morton BG, et al. N Engl J Med 2014; 370:54-59. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMsa1204142
