Those of us who have teenage children can all testify to a number of common traits. They can sleep all day, lose the will to live if they lose their phone and know every song that is in the top 10. If it is still called the top 10 [sic.].
However, when it comes to driving, it has been shown that teenagers are very different from the rest of us oldies. And that is mainly in part to the fact that their brains have not fully developed. Not that I would openly tell my teenager that!
As the physiological aspect is well documented, the relevant of this to driving has never been explored … until now.
John Jacobsen of Mercedes Benz has been studying teenager and their driving habits. He has discovered that whereas the mistakes teenage drivers make are common ones, the reasons for making those mistakes are a little more complicated.
Impulsivity
Teenagers are often unaware that they are being a slave to impulses let alone that those impulses are having an effect on the way they drive.
Teenage drivers are less likely to pull up, consider their actions or modify their behaviour to the circumstances at hand. In straight forward terms, they don’t think, they just do.
This means that they are more prone to speeding, driving to close to the vehicle in front and worryingly, messing about with technology behind the wheel.
Parents and driving instructors rarely see this behaviour as teenage drivers would try and perform to their parent’s expectations. It is only when amongst there peers or driving alone does the issue of impulsivity raise its head.
Susceptibility
In the course of his observations, Jabobsen stated: “Teens are much more susceptible to emotional stabs. They’re very dramatic, susceptible to mood swings, and personal issues affect their driving.”
For example, a recent breakup, row with a friend to failed test at school can cause the teenage driver to behave angrily behind the wheel. It can also be the cause of not realising the dangers or traffic conditions around them.
Experience
The simple lack of practical understanding as to dealing with other motorists and road conditions can easily end up in an accident.
Jacobsen discovered that teenage drivers don’t have that memory bank of risks and road conditions that the more experienced driver has.
Because it maybe a new and startling situation, the amount reaction time they have will not generally allow them to work out what to do in the circumstances.
Poor Choice Of Speed For The Conditions
Again, this is based around simple experience however, teenage drivers are not the best at judging the right speed for the traffic conditions. This can be approaching a road junction too fast, speeding through quiet residential areas in the dark.
It is never a case of blindly sticking to the speed limit but driving in accordance to he circumstances and conditions.
As their experience increases, teenage and young drivers won realise that slowing down van obviate many of the risks they encounter.
Distractions
There has been much in the press and on this website as to the dangers imposed to all drivers, not only teenage ones, about distracted driving.
Only recently did the UK government announce that the penalties for using a mobile phone whilst driving was going to double from 3 penalty points and a £100 fine to 6 penalty points and a £200 fine.
In recent months, the press and this website have reported on the devastation caused by distracted driving.
However, not all distractions are technology based. Teenage drivers are also susceptible to distractions from passengers and music that can lead to a momentary lapse in concentration and that inevitable crash.
Drugs & Alcohol
Even in these more enlightened times, drink and drug driving is still an issue for teenage drivers.
Jacobsen states that this comes back to the issue of impulsivity in that they don’t believe that drink for drugs will impair their driving as much as it will.
Following Too Closely
Although dangerous at any time, the teenage driver that follows a vehicle too closely is asking for trouble.
Their lack of experience and changing traffic conditions may not allow them enough time to react.
Add the issue of potential distraction and there is a real problem that the short distance between the vehicle in front will not give the space or time to avoid an accident.
Seatbelts
Strangely, wearing seatbelts whilst driving is still an issue amongst many teenagers.
Jacobsen was surprised by this as it is the one piece of motoring equipment that could ultimately save them in a crash.
Influence By Other Drivers
Jacobsen noted that teenage drivers were susceptible to being influenced by those motorists around them.
For example, it was found that a teenage driver turning at a junction was likely to take a risk and pull out just because a driver behind had honked them.
He noted that the teenage driver could succumb to such pressure which was not only to due with experience but also with confidence. Both of which come with time.
Choice Of Vehicle
It will come as no surprise that male teenage drivers want to be behind the wheel of a performance car. I am no teenager but I still want to.
Having the teenage driver with a high performance car is a recipe for disaster. What they need to do is start with something a little more sedate and upgrade after gaining more experience.
And There We Are
Teenagers aren’t always the easiest people to understand and being a parent of one can be both fulfilling and frustrating at the same time.
Hopefully this has been an insight into what makes your teenage tick when they are behind the wheel.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
