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Most residents of Pennsylvania know that using cellphones behind the wheel is dangerous, but they may not understand that phones are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding risk and driving. Recent research has shown that cellphones alone aren’t the only concern among dangerous drivers. However, cellphone use can act as a warning sign.

Connected behaviors

Researchers surveyed hundreds of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24. They asked them about their behavior while driving, measured behavior in other contexts and asked about general personality traits. What the team found is that cellphone use was just one indicator of potential trouble. In fact, it mostly pointed to a larger problem: impulsivity.

The takeaway among researchers was that there might be new and better ways to prevent car accidents. For example, much of the advocacy and marketing around safe driving focuses on specific distractions. Smartphones are a big one. However, by incorporating information about making good decisions in driver’s ed classes, advocates may be able to make a bigger difference.

That kind of approach could also pay larger dividends in the long run. Instead of just preventing car accidents, it could help young people learn to make more careful decisions in general. This could have all kinds of effects in reducing risky behavior related to violence, STDs and more.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit after an accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by an impulsive driver, it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer’s job is to advocate for you. They may be able to help you recover damages related to the incident.