Technology and teen drivers

Abstract

The rapid evolution of computing, communication, and sensor technology is likely to affect young drivers more than others. The distraction potential of infotainment technology stresses the same vulnerabilities that already lead young drivers to crash more frequently than other drivers. Cell phones, text messaging, MP3 players, and other nomadic devices all present a threat because young drivers may lack the spare attentional capacity for vehicle control and the ability to anticipate and manage hazards. Moreover, young drivers are likely to be the first and most aggressive users of new technology. Fortunately, emerging technology can also support safe driving. Electronic stability control, collision avoidance systems, intelligent speed adaptation, and vehicle tracking systems can all help mitigate the threats to young drivers. However, technology alone is unlikely to make young drivers safer. One promising approach to tailoring technology to teen drivers is to extend proven methods for enhancing young driver safety. The success of graduated drivers license programs (GDL) and the impressive safety benefit of supervised driving suggest ways of tailoring technology to the needs of young drivers. To anticipate the effects of technology on teen driving it may be useful to draw an analogy between the effects of passengers and the effects of technology. Technology can act as a teen passenger and undermine safety or it can act as an adult passenger and enhance safety. Impact on industry: Rapidly developing technology may have particularly large effects on teen drivers. To maximize the positive effects and minimize the negative effects will require a broad range of industries to work together. Ideally, vehicle manufacturers would work with infotainment providers, insurance companies, and policy makers to craft new technologies so that they accommodate the needs of young drivers. Without such collaboration young drivers will face even greater challenges to their safety as new technologies emerge. © 2007 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Keywords: Distraction; young drivers; novice drivers; collision avoidance; graduated licensing Emerging technology represents a mixed blessing for drivers, particularly young drivers. Young drivers are overrepresented in car crashes and emerging technology has the potential to both exacerbate and mitigate that tendency. New infotainment technologies, such as cell phones, text messaging, and MP3 players have the potential to aggravate the factors that place young drivers at risk in the first place. At the same time, emerging technologies that support the driver, such as electronic stability control, collision warning systems, and intelligent speed adaptation can enhance driving safety and may even mitigate the risks posed by infotainment distractions. Young drivers may benefit most from the new safety systems, but they are also most vulnerable to poorly implemented technology McKnight & McKnight, 1993). Properly tuned to the needs of young drivers, technol...

Novice teen driving: GDL and beyond

“…Novice drivers still must concentrate on basic driving skills, so have less attention to devote to hazard recognition and unexpected demands. As drivers gain experience, many vehicle control skills become habitual "automated subroutines" that require little active concentration (Keating, 2007;Lee, 2007).…”

“…They probably will affect novice teen drivers more than older drivers. New technology can be thought of as "another passenger" in the teen driver's car: a distracting and dangerous rowdy teenager, a protective parent, or perhaps one of each (Lee, 2007).…”

“…They take these electronic "infotainment" devices into their cars and use them frequently, where they present obvious distractions to the driver (Dingus, 2007;Lee, 2007). Cell phones have received the most attention.…”

“…Antilock brakes and electronic stability control systems are now standard on many new vehicles. Other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) being developed or implemented include automatic collision warning, automatic speed monitoring, and GPS navigation (Lee, 2007). These can make driving safer for all drivers, not only teens, as long as drivers do not take advantage of them by paying less attention to their driving.…”

“…Restrictions on handheld electronic communication and entertainment devices should be considered either as part of a GDL system or for all young drivers (Dingus, 2007;Lee, 2007). Materials are needed to inform legislators, policymakers, the media, and the public about GDL: describe the overall concept clearly, identify key components, provide research and evaluation evidence, and address common objections.…”