According to the federal government, car accidents are the number one cause of
fatality in the teenage years, accounting for more than one-third of all deaths in that age
category (CDC 2007). That statistic is attributable to many factors, including the fact that
teenage drivers lack extensive driving experience; they often act irresponsibly, especially
in groups; they sometimes engage in underage drinking in conjunction with driving; and
they may lack some of the cognitive skills to assess potential risks and consider the
possible consequences of their actions (Gerrig & Zimbardo 2005).
Reducing teen driving accident rates requires laws to address the problem, drunk
driving awareness programs, and driver's education that includes practical advice about
the consequences of driving irresponsibly as a larger part of traditional driver's education
One of the most effective methods of raising awareness among teenagers of the
dangers of combining alcohol and driving are the presentations by teenagers who have
already suffered the consequences of driving under the influence. Recent brain imaging
research studies have revealed that in teenagers, the brain has not fully developed its full
capacity to assess risks realistically and to project present behavior to future
consequences (Gerrig & Zimbardo 2005). That is one reason that traditional lectures are
less effective by comparison, but students identify with the experiences of their peers
who have either been seriously injured or who have already caused the serious injury or
death of other individuals through drunk driving.
In the last few years, state legislators have begun prohibiting driving while talking
on cell phones after data suggesting that driver distraction and inattention significantly
raised the risk of crashes. For the same reason, some
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