Distracted driving is very dangerous and continues to be a significant safety issue in San Diego and throughout the United States. Distracted driving increases the risk of a car accident, and it appears that new drivers are much more likely to become distracted behind the wheel.

A new study found that teen drivers are more prone to distracted driving compared to older drivers. The study found that secondary tasks are more dangerous for new drivers like teenagers. The researchers said that tasks that take the driver’s eyes off the road increase the risk of getting into an accident.

Some of the most dangerous behaviors that contributed to distracted driving include dialing on a cellphone, texting and reaching to grab a cellphone while driving. The study reported that new drivers who have been driving for 19 months or less were more likely to get into an accident if they became distracted.

The study found that new drivers were just over eight times more likely to be in a crash if they dialed on a cellphone while driving. Drivers were eight times more likely to be in an accident if they reached for something other than a cellphone, just over seven times more likely to be in a crash when reaching for a cellphone, almost four times more likely if they sent or received a text message, and three times more likely to get into a crash if they were eating.

One surprising finding was that talking on a cellphone did not increase the chances of an accident, even for teen drivers. Despite this finding, the researchers said that other studies have found that talking on a cellphone has been shown to be dangerous and can impair a person’s driving ability.

All drivers should be aware of the dangers of distracted driving and take steps to prevent an accident when possible.