A new Australian study may indicate that depressed teens are more likely to get into an accident than their mentally-fit peers. According to our peers over at AOL Autos, a recent report published in the journal Injury Prevention translates the fact that depressed individuals are more likely to engage in self-destructive behavior into teen driving habits.
It's no secret that younger drivers are more likely to get into an accident. Researchers point out that individuals between 17 and 24 years old accounted for 22.3 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2008, but the study of 1,284 young drivers showed that those who had signs of depression and anxiety also freely admitted to speeding.
Those involved in the research seem to think the results indicate a strong correlation between mental illness and risky driving behavior, though it's important to note that the findings rely on self-reported behavior instead of actual scientific observations. Even so, the study suggests that mental evaluations can be used to determine which young drivers will be more of a danger behind the wheel.
It's no secret that younger drivers are more likely to get into an accident. Researchers point out that individuals between 17 and 24 years old accounted for 22.3 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2008, but the study of 1,284 young drivers showed that those who had signs of depression and anxiety also freely admitted to speeding.
Those involved in the research seem to think the results indicate a strong correlation between mental illness and risky driving behavior, though it's important to note that the findings rely on self-reported behavior instead of actual scientific observations. Even so, the study suggests that mental evaluations can be used to determine which young drivers will be more of a danger behind the wheel.
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