https://ntsi.com | Texting while driving increases the chances for an accident, especially among inexperienced young drivers. New drivers need to know the dangers of distracted driving, including texting while driving to make better choices. https://ntsi.com/quick-links/safety-articles/cellphone-safety

1. Texting And
Teens:
A Dangerous
Combination

2. Overview
Driving while texting significantly increases drivers’ likelihood of getting into an
automobile accident. Studies show that distracted driving impairs a drivers ability
about as much as driving under the influence of alcohol does. As mobile phone
usage is nearly ubiquitous among teens, teaching them the dangers of distracted
driving is essential to helping them become safe responsible drivers.

3. License To Drive
Getting a driver’s license remains an
important coming-of-age event for
American youth. Although teens are
waiting longer to get licenses, about 54
percent of teens are getting licenses by the
time they turn 18. Inexperienced drivers
are more prone to accidents, so
emphasizing safety is important.

4. Inexperienced Drivers At Greater
Risk of Accident
Accident statistics show that new drivers are at an
elevated risk of getting involved in an automobile
accident. The following are the most common causes
of teen accidents:
- Failing to see and respond to hazards (21
percent).
- Traveling too fast for road conditions (21 percent).
- Being distracted by something inside or outside
the vehicle (20 percent).

5. Texting and Driving
Mobile phones can be very distracting and inexperienced
drivers are particularly susceptible to making an error while
trying to operate a phone and a vehicle at the same time.
• In 2011, about 23 percent of all crashes – close to 1.3 million
wrecks – involved a mobile phone.
• About 82 percent of teens own a mobile phone. More than
50 percent say they talk on the phone while driving, while
about 33 percent say they text while driving.

6. Bad Odds
• If you text and drive, you’re 23
times more likely to be involved in
an accident.
• If you dial and drive, an accident is
three times more likely to occur.
• If you’re talking on your phone, an
accident is 1.4 times more likely.

7. Against The Law
Many states have banned texting and driving. It’s
against the law in 39 U.S. states and Washington,
D.C.
Nevertheless, about 13 percent of teens involved
in crashes say they used a cell phone while
driving.
Texting takes the driver’s eyes off the road for
about five seconds. That’s enough time to travel
the length of a football field at 55 mph. and plenty
of time to get into an accident.

8. Consequences of Texting
and Driving
The consequences of texting and driving can be
steep.
• Teens may become involved in an accident that
injures or kills themselves, their passengers,
pedestrians or occupants of another vehicle.
• They could face significant jail time if they
cause a death or injury.
• They could pay heavy costs in fines, repair
costs and insurance premiums.
• They may also lose their privilege to drive.

9. How NTSI Can Help
The National Traffic Safety Institute can
help educate new drivers about safe
driving practices. NTSI can:
• Provide new drivers with reinforcement
of safe driving habits.
• Provide information on death and
injuries caused by distracted driving.
• Teach new drivers about laws regarding
safe driving in their state.

10. About The National Traffic Safety Institute
NTSI has provided driver training to millions of individuals over the past 40 years. Our company
can help new drivers learn the rules of the road and provide training to employees of companies
involved in transportation. Our company stresses on-the-road safety and compliance with the
law and best safety practices. To learn more, visit https://ntsi.com/ or call (866) 346-3283.