A new study conducted by researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia explored trends related to young adults’ driving habits. Their findings showed that when young people use their cell phones on the road, they’re more likely to adopt other impulsive, aggressive driving patterns.
“This study found that frequent cell phone use while driving was only one indicator of a more general pattern of risky driving practices associated with prior crashes in young drivers,” said researcher Elizabeth Walshe, Ph.D. “Assessment of personality traits, such as impulsivity and sensation seeking, may be helpful to identify drivers most at risk in order to provide more targeted interventions promoting safe driving.”
While cell phone use didn’t directly increase the risk of crashes, some of the other roadway behaviors that were associated with cell phone use may make accidents more likely. For instance, the study showed that young adults that use their phones behind the wheel were more likely to run red lights, exceed the speed limit, and make aggressive maneuvers
Read the article at Consumer Affairs.
