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A new study indicates that depressed teens might be more likely to get into an accident than their more emotionally well-adjusted peers. Autogblog reports that an Australian study published in the journal Injury Prevention suggests that depressed teens are more likely to engage in self-destructive behavior that could translate into driving habits.
For starters, younger drivers are more likely to get into an accident than more experienced ones. According to the study, drivers between the ages of 17 and 24 years old accounted for 22.3 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2008, but the study showed that of the 1,284 young drivers, those who had signs of depression and anxiety also admitted to speeding.
Researchers suggest the results indicate a correlation between mental illness and risky driving behavior. It should be noted, however, that the findings rely on self-reported behavior rather than actual scientific observations. Regardless, the study suggests that mental evaluations can be used to determine which young drivers could potentially be more of a danger behind the wheel.
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