Distracted driving is a widespread epidemic on American roads. In 2012, according to Distraction.gov, there were more than 3,300 fatalities nationwide in distracted driving accidents more than 420,000 people were injured.

Teenage distracted driving is a serious problem. Teens may lack the driving ability and experience to filter out distractions and therefore may be more susceptible to driving errors. Below are five common distractions that might affect teens.

1. Distractions from Use of Texting Devices

One of the more serious and frequent distractions facing teen motorists is the use of cell phones while driving. Back in 2012, a report by the Consumer Reports National Research Center found that almost half of survey respondents between the ages of 16 and 21 admitted to having used a handheld cell phone while driving in the previous month.

About 30 percent texted while driving during the same period of time. Smart phone use is highly popular among teenagers, and some teens in the study admitted to using smartphone apps while behind the wheel. About seven percent had accessed their social media pages or used email while driving.

Another study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that the use of cell phone devices is the number one teenage distracted driving behavior. The study also found that girls were somewhat more likely to use smart phones and other electronic devices at the wheel, as compared to boys.

2. Other Teen Passengers Can Distract Teen Drivers

Another common teenage driving distraction involves conversations with fellow teen passengers. This is one of the reasons why so many graduated driver licensing programs for novice drivers, including those in Colorado, have strict restrictions on the number of teen passengers a teen driver can have in the car.

Under Colorado's graduated driver licensing program, a driver under 18 years old cannot have any passengers under 21 in the vehicle unless licensed for at least six months. Teen drivers may not have more than one passenger below the age of 21 in the car unless he or she has held a valid driver’s license for a period of at least one year. There are exceptions for medical emergencies and siblings, however.

3. Adjusting Vehicle Controls Can Be a Distraction

Another distraction for teen drivers involves adjusting controls in the vehicle. A teenager is distracted when trying to change radio channels or adjust climate control knobs. It’s important to make any music selections and set climate settings prior to driving to avoid taking one’s hands and eyes off of the road.

4. Grooming in the Car Can Distract Teens

Teenagers are also at risk for accidents caused by distractions when they are grooming themselves. Applying makeup is a task that you should complete at home or when arrived at your destination. Parents should remind teens of this often-overlooked source of distraction behind the wheel.

5. Eating and Drinking Behind the Wheel is Another Common Teenage Distracted Driving Behavior

Teens might also be distracted when they are snacking or drinking beverages while behind the wheel. Some teens might stop for a snack after school or might grab breakfast on the way. Some might stop to get some food from a drive-thru when spending time with friends.

Whatever the case, fumbling to open a beverage can with one hand while the other hand is on the wheel, or using one hand to hold a snack, can prove deadly for any motorist. Drivers should eat at a restaurant or wait until arrived at their destination to eat.

Teens Who Cause Accidents are Responsible for Damages

Teens who cause accidents because of driving distractions may not only suffer injury themselves, they may cause wrecks that injure others. When this is the case, the teen is liable for damages that accident victims suffer.

If you have suffered injuries in an accident related to teenage distracted driving – or distracted driving by a person of any age – speak with car accident lawyer D.J. Banovitz to discuss how you can recover compensation for your losses. Call 303-300-5060 to speak with an attorney about the specifics of your case.