Texting while driving poses problem for teens

Texting while driving is a serious problem, especially among teenagers, but a new study shows teens find their phones difficult to ignore.

Dr. Jeffrey Upperman and his colleagues at Children's Hopsital Los Angeles found teen drivers know texting while driving is a risk and do it anyway. Researchers found teens overestimate their driving and multi-tasking skills and that peer pressure plays a role.

"They have an overwhelming sense of confidence when they start to drive," said Regina Muccillo, a mother of a teen driver.

Muccillo said her teenage daughter lives in a world where an instant response is considered the social norm.

"The expectation is that you'll communicate back within in 20 seconds," Muccillo said.

Studies show multi-tasking loads a brain with more tasks and makes it less efficient.

What should parents do? Experts advise them to lead by example and expose kids to good habits.

"When we're in cars, we see that folks get distracted by eating, makeup, texting and a whole host of things that can distract them. You need to limit your distractions while you're driving," Upperman said.

The study also concluded current laws are not effective because teens don't think they're enforced. Researchers suggest educating kids on how texting slows their driving reflexes.

Also, some parents say punishing teens by taking away driving privileges can be effective.