Teens driving after dark leads to more accidents
A new nationwide study of young drivers shows that driving at night is the biggest risk factor and causes the most fatalities in serious car accidents. While it may seem obvious that driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the day, what is surprising is the degree at which the risk rises. Controlling for all other variables, driving after dark contributes to more fatalities than drinking, speeding or not wearing a seatbelt.
What's alarming about this bit of information is the fact that teens driving at night are also more prone to engaging in those other risky driving practices which raises their chances of being injured in a car wreck exponentially.
The authors of the study claim that a big contributing factor is cell phones. Driving at night provides its own challenges, but those risks are compounded when a driver's attention is divided by a cell phone.
Here in Missouri, we have taken steps to limit this risk factor by banning texting behind the wheel for any driver under 21. The graduated license system we adopted several years ago also places restrictions on new drivers at night.
