Causes of Car Accidents Among Teens

Name: Danajae Ballard

Hypothesis
My hypothesis is: Texting while driving account for 23% of vehicle collisions among teens in the
United States.

Operational Definitions
Independent Variable
The independent variable in my hypothesis is: Texting while driving

The definition of my independent variable is: The act of composing, sending, reading text
messages, email, or making similar use of the web on a mobile phone while operating a motor
vehicle.

Data on my independent variable will come from: NHTSA: Page 3, Table 1 titled “The
Percentage of Drivers Holding Phones to Their Ears While Driving, by Major Characteristics”

Dependent Variable
The dependent variable in my hypothesis is: Vehicle collisions among teen drivers in the United
States.

The definition of my dependent variable is: Occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle,
pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other stationary obstruction, such as a tree or utility pole.

Data on my dependent variable will come from: NHTSA: Page 2, Table 2 titled “Drivers Involved
in Fatal Crashes by Age, Distraction, and Cell Phone Use, 2013”

Control Variable(s)
If I were to use control variables in my analysis they would include the following:

1. Amount of Passengers

a. If the amount of teens in one vehicle was to exceed a certain limit, greater
distractions would began to occur. Aside from distractions on the road the
driver would also be distracted by paying attention to what the passenger in the
front seat and in the back seat are doing. Once the driver take his or her eyes off
the road the teen is 20 times more likely to get into an accident. Passengers
who are also teens can persuade the teen driver to do illegal things while
driving, this could include, answering their cell phone or drinking while driving.
Texting while passengers are in the car can be even more dangerous than it is
when it is just you in the car because not only the driver is in danger but the
 passenger is as well. Most teens would say that they are good at texting while
driving, but in the middle of sending a text a passenger’s movement or voice can
cause the driver to lose focus even quicker.

2. Drinking

a. Drinking and driving is a big issue among adult drivers, but some teens do it as
well. Teens are less likely to drive while intoxicated, therefore the statistics for
the amount of collisions that occur because of an intoxicated teen would be
very low. But most teens who drive while intoxicated are at a high risk of
causing an accident because of their lack of experience. If a teen was to text and
drive while intoxicated, this would increase the amount of accidents that occur
among teen drivers. As stated in my literature review, “Using a cell phone while
driving, delays the driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol
concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.” If this statement is true then
texting while intoxicated behind the wheel of a vehicle can increase the chances
of a collision occurring.

3. Speeding

a. Speeding makes it difficult for drivers to stop. Exceeding the posted speed limit
can cause the driver to lose control of the wheel. If the weather conditions were
bad, this would lead to a greater chance of the driver getting into an accident. If
the driver was texting while speeding, he or she would most likely cause an
accident. Speeding and taking your hands off of the wheel can cause your car to
shift in an unwanted direction. Texting makes things worse because it only adds
to the driver’s dangerous habits. While speeding, drivers think they have good
control over the wheel until they encounter a distraction. In this case that
distraction would be texting.

4. Weather

a. When texting is combined with bad weather, the results are extremely tragic.
The reaction time of a driver decreases because of the amount of snow and rain
on the ground. These weather conditions makes it hard for drivers to drive
safely. Changing lanes, stopping, and turning safely all become a potentially
dangerous maneuver. Texting in severe weather conditions requires a driver’s
full attention. Because the driver’s eyes are not on the road, the reaction time
of a driver who is texting is even shorter. This causes the driver to stop at the
last minute, which can also cause the vehicle to spin out of place.

5. Gender

a. Gender can have an impact on the study because data have shown that women
are the worse drivers, but males are most likely to get into an accident. Males
are most likely to get into accidents because they are reckless drivers. Between
both genders males text the most while driving. Since men have more driving
experience than women they believe that no harm can be done because they
are great drivers and can easily multitask. Women text and drive as well, but
they are most likely to use a Bluetooth or any other hands-free device. Both
male and female text while driving and no matter the gender, an accident is still
likely to occur because once they go to answer that text anything can happen.
Topic
Causes of car accidents among teens.

I chose my topic because out of all the topics that I had written down this was the one that I was
able to find the most data on.

Literature Review
A first group of scholars argue that the amount of passengers causes accidents among teenage
drivers; Williams (2012), Rader (2014), Gursten (2012), Furguson (2007), Korkor (2012). “Teens
with teens” is a dominant factor that has remained a problem since 1995. Although the number
of passengers alone has an effect on the teen driver, crashes in which all passengers were
teenagers has been the most common cause of accidents (Williams, 2012). Compared to
females driving alone, those with passengers were four times as likely to be distracted prior to
the crash. Compared to males driving alone, males with peer passengers were almost six times
more likely to perform an illegal maneuver and twice as likely to act aggressively. However,
females rarely drove aggressively before crashing, whether with or without peer passengers
(Curry, 2013). For teens, one passenger increases their crash risk by 48%. According to the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, that risk grows as more passengers are added (Rader,
2014). The presence of more than one passenger inside a vehicle creates an issue that can affect
driver behavior and crash involvement. A driver’s behavior can be influenced depending on the
relationship with the passenger. For example, a teen driver would drive differently with a peer
than they would with a parent (Furguson, 2007). Generally, the passenger will encourage the
driver to engage in some dangerous behaviors while behind the wheel. Having two or more
teenage passengers has caused 15.5% of accidents (Korkor, 2012).

The second group of scholars argue that texting is the cause of accidents among teenage
drivers; Shrophire (2007), Halsey (2012), NCSA (2015), O’Malley (2013), Cafarelli (2016), Rader
(2014). According to an AAA poll, 94% of teen drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and
driving, but 35% admitted to doing it anyway. The problem here is teens are aware of the
dangers of texting and driving, but they continue to put themselves and others in dangerous
situations. 21% of teen drivers involved in fatal accidents were distracted by their cell phones
(Henk, 2010). 55% of teen drivers claim that it is easy to text and drive. Thinking that texting
while driving is “easy” can get you in a lot of trouble. Teens who text and drive spend
approximately 10% of their driving time outside of the correct lane. 13% of teens who were
involved in a car accident admitted that they were on their cell phone (Halsey, 2012). The
National Highway Traffic Administration conducted data amongst seven different age groups of
drivers, 10% of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as
distracted at the time of the crashes. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who
were distracted by their cell phones at the time of the crashes (NCSA, 2015). Distracted driving
due to texting while driving has become a very important issue. Studies have shown that many
teens are aware of their dangerous actions (O’Malley, 2013). Using a cell phone while driving,
delays the driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of
.08 percent. The results of car accidents where teenagers were texting while driving is expected
to grow 4% (Cafarelli, 2016).

The third group of scholars argue that drunk driving causes accidents among teen drivers;
National Convention for Injury Prevention and Control (2012), CA Department of Motor Vehicles
(2016), Curry (2013), After Car Accidents (2015), Williams (2012). Fewer teens are drinking and
driving, but this still seems to be a risky situation for some. Drinking and driving is mainly a
problem for teens in high school. In 2010 1 in 5 teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had some
alcohol in their system. Some teens in high school drink and drive more than others, but the
statistics show that drinking and driving is higher for male age 18+ (National Convention for
Injury Prevention and Control, 2012). Teens who start drinking young are 7x more likely to be in
an alcohol related crash. Driving under the influence is a common cause of serious crashes,
especially fatal ones, involving teenage drivers. Teenagers who drink and drive are at much
greater risk of serious crashes than older drivers with equal concentrations of alcohol in their
blood (CA Deparmtment of Motor Vehicals, 2016). Young drivers are less likely than adults to
drink and drive, but their crash risk is higher when they do, even with low or moderate blood
alcohol levels. Impaired driving affects judgment, reaction times, and awareness, which is very
dangerous for teen drivers. Teen drivers’ crash at four times the rate of adults due to lack of
driving skills (Curry, 2013). Allan Williams agree that teens are less likely to drink and drive, but
their crash risk are higher when they do. Teens consume less alcohol than older drinking drivers,
but they are most likely to get into an accident because of their lack of experience (Williams,
2012).

The fourth group of scholars argue that the time of day causes accidents among teen drivers;
Rader (2014), Henk (2010), Baker (2014), Institute, Texas A&M Transportation (2014), Williams
(2012). Strong restrictions on nighttime driving and increasing the age limit to get driver license
can limit the amount of car accidents among teens. According to data from 2014, accidents
among teenage drivers occurred more frequently from 9pm to 12am (Rader, 2014). The amount
of nighttime crashes increased rapidly from 1999-2008. The ten year increase in nighttime
crashes for age 16 to 19 year old drivers is greater than for drivers 20 and older (Henk, 2010).
54% of teen accidents occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night. Chen Baker also agree that
if teens were limited to safer driving times until they gained more experience a huge amount of
accidents could be prevented (Baker, 2014). Teens are most likely to drive tired after being up
late doing homework, participating in social activities with friends, and partying. Most people do
not realize how tired they are once they get behind the wheel. This could be very dangerous
because you can fall asleep while driving (Institute, Texas A&M Transportation, 2014). For young
teen drivers, nighttime crashes are more likely to be associated with multiple teen passengers,
speeding, and alcohol use. Although it is more difficult to drive in the dark for drivers of all ages,
exhaustion and lack of practice may play a greater role for teenagers (American Academy of
Pediatrics, 2016).

The fifth group of scholars argue that speeding causes accidents among teen drivers. Curry
(2013), Institute, Texas A&M Transportation (2014), Tsifrin (2012), Upton (n.d.), Ferguson
(2013), Henrico County Community Criminal Justice Board (2010). Looking at data from different
instances where accidents occurred young males were the cause of most speed related crashes.
Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and to allow distance between cars. In 2011,
speeding was a factor in 52% of fatal crashes with a teen behind the wheel. Looking back at data
from the past years this percentage has remained the same. (Curry, 2013). Teens do not realize
the dangers of speeding and reckless driving neither do they consider driving 5 to 10 miles
above the speed limit to be dangerous. About 33% of young drivers and passenger deaths occur
in speed related crashes (Institute, Texas A&M Transportation, 2014). Research has shown that
teenagers do not drive safely for fear of crashing, but rather for fear of getting a ticket.
Researchers said that teenagers have a sense of immortality and the "it can't happen to me"
syndrome. (Henrico County Community Criminal Justice Board, 2010). Teens are known to take
many risks when it comes to driving. Most drivers occasionally speed, but teens do so because
they are unaware of how much of how a car’s speed can affect their response time (Tsifrin,
2012). Speeding is the third leading cause of car accidents and it accounts for 33% of all fatal
crashes. Weiland Upton agree that male drivers between the ages of 15-20 are most at risk
when it comes to speeding and car accidents (Upton, n.d). Speeding is a well-known role among
drivers of all ages. Majority focus is on the other major factors that causes accidents such as
drinking and driving or having too many passengers in the vehicle. Half of fatal crashes involving
16 year-old drivers with three or more passengers are speeding related. Each cause of teen
crashes has an effect on the other. Speeding is a factor that continue to go unnoticed that is why
it is still an issue (Ferguson, 2013).

Research Question
Based on my research, the question I will attempt to answer in this paper is: Does texting
account for 23% of car accidents among teens?
Research Question Criteria
Clarity: My research question meets this criterion because it gives direction and it give a
possible answer which is texting accounts for 23% of car accidents among teen drivers ages 19
and under.

Testability: My research question meets this criterion because it can be answered by empirical
inquiry. There has been research and surveys collected for my topic which proves its testability.
The statistics that I have found show that my research question is testable.

Originality: My research question does meet this criterion because even though factors of this
question has been tested I am focusing specifically on texting and driving. Research has been
done on the various positions that I chose to uses, but no one has come to a conclusion that
tells us which is the bigger cause.

Theoretical Significance: My research question meets this criterion because doing research on
this topic has increased my knowledge and understanding. The information that I found can be
used for other studies and it can be compared to other data as well.

Practical Relevance: My research question does meet this criterion because this is an important
topic and it can be used to help all people become aware of some of the causes of accidents that
occur daily.
Data and Conclusions

Source: (NHTSA, 2014) (Safety, 2012)

Based on the data collected, my hypothesis was incorrect. I predicted that texting while driving
account for 23% of vehicle collisions amongst teen drivers, but texting actually only account for
14% of accidents amongst teen drivers. The Graph above depicts four causes of vehicle collisions
amongst teen drivers; texting, speeding, drinking, and nighttime driving. Speeding was the
highest cause of the four, causing 30% of vehicle collisions amongst teen drivers. Drinking was
the lowest cause of the four, causing 13% of vehicle collisions amongst teen driver. Drinking was
only one percentage higher than texting. Night time drinking was the second highest of the four
with 17%.
Source: (NHSTA, 2015)

The graph above illustrates the percent of people involved in vehicle collisions due to texting
while driving by age. Adults ages 20-29 were more likely to be involved in a vehicle collision due
to texting while driving. 38% of adults 20-29 were involved in a vehicle collision because they
were texting. Teens ages 15-19 and Adults ages 50-59 both were 11%. The lowest out of the
seven age groups were elders 70+. Elders 70+ account for 1% of vehicle collisions caused by
texting while driving. There was a 27% increase from the 15-19 age group to the 20-29 age
group. As the ages go up the percent of collisions that occur starts to decrease.
Source: (Association, Governors Highway Safety, 2013)

The graph above depicts the effects that the time of day has on the number of vehicle collisions
that occur between various ages. The graph is broken down into four teen ages and a range of
adults 30-64. Of all ages 16,17,18,19, and 30-64, most vehicle collisions occurred between the
hours of 11:00pm-4:59am. 63%, being the highest percent of vehicle collisions from 11:00pm-
4:59am, was caused by 16-year-old drivers. 28 percent being the lowest percent of accidents
from 11:00pm-4:59am was caused by 30-64 year olds. As the ages increased for this e amount
of accidents that occurred during this time the number of accidents decreased. There was not
much of a difference in percentages for accidents that occurred between the hours of 5:00am-
10:59pm. 33% being the highest percent of vehicle collisions for 16 year olds between those
hours and 15% being the lowest for 20-64 year olds. 17 and 19 year olds caused 28% of
accidents between 11:00pm-4:59am and 18 year olds caused 29%.
Source: (Association, Governors Highway Safety, 2013)

The graph above depicts the amount of collisions that occur amongst teens male and female
based on the number of passengers in the vehicle. No matter how many passengers there were
in the vehicle males had the most vehicle collisions. As the number of passengers increased for
each gender the number of collisions increased. Between having two and three passengers for
male, the percentage of accidents occurred decreased by one percent. For the teen driver with
three teen passengers, both male and female caused 49% of accidents.
Source: (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2016)

The graph above depicts the number of vehicle collisions that occurred in 2014 amongst
teenage drivers by gender. This graph does not show any causes of the collisions. Males had 971
more vehicle collisions than females in 2014. Teenage males had 1,797 collisions and females
had 826. Based on the data collected. Males were involved in more collisions than female.
Conclusions
My first graph illustrates that my hypothesis was incorrect. I predicted that texting
accounts for 23% of accidents amongst teen drivers, but it actually accounts for 14%. Since
technology is big deal amongst teens today I thought the percentage would be much higher
than 14%. I found it interesting that speeding is the greatest cause of vehicle collisions of teen
drivers. After analyzing the data, I realized that this is very true because most teen drivers that I
know usually disobey the speed limit. Most of them also get tickets or pulled over because they
were speeding. When I hear about teen accidents, the main cause was because the teen was
speeding. I also found it interesting how males are the cause of most vehicle collisions. There
has always been a debate about how males are better drivers than females, but according to my
study they are most likely to get into a collision. Another interesting thing that stood out to me
from my research is adults would encounter more collisions than teen because of texting while
driving. This was very shocking to me because adults usually try to promote the idea of safe
driving to their child or younger adults, but they are engaging themselves in the same dangerous
behavior. As I analyzed my second graph, “Percent of people in vehicle collisions while using a
cellphone” I noticed a steady decrease in the amount of vehicle collisions. From this graph, I
concluded that as people get older they no longer have an interest in technology therefore the
amount of collisions that occur because of texting while driving would be caused by ages below
30.

If future researchers were to replicate my study I think they should consider gender.
Gender can show a big difference in the depiction of the graph, helping us see which gender is
to blame for the more accidents for each cause. It would be interesting to see how the amount
of collisions that occur differ by each cause. If researchers were to consider looking at data from
the same year, this could probably help us see more accuracy in the graphs as far as the
independent and dependent variables for each cause. Future researchers should also consider
what going more into debt with different age groups to figure out what is the greatest cause of
collisions for the different ages. The researcher should consider this because from the graphs
that I put together it is hard to tell what age group causes most accidents. The last thing that the
researchers should consider is whether or not the other driver was the cause of these collisions.
Although the teen driver may have been texting or speeding, are they who we should blame for
the accident and should that accident be counted as one caused by a teen driver? This may or
may not easy to determine, but if possible it would be something to consider and look into for
further research.
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