Research has shown that sleep deprivation can have significant psychological and cognitive effects on teen driving performance. When teenagers do not get enough sleep, it can lead to impaired judgment, decreased reaction time, and reduced ability to concentrate, all of which are critical for safe driving.

For example, a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drivers aged 16-19 who slept for less than 7 hours per night were significantly more likely to be involved in car accidents compared to those who slept for 8 hours or more.

Furthermore, sleep deprivation can also lead to microsleep episodes, where individuals briefly fall asleep for a few seconds without realizing it. This can be particularly dangerous when operating a vehicle, as it can result in a loss of control and potential accidents.

References:

1. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. (2016). Acute Sleep Deprivation and Risk of Motor Vehicle Crash Involvement. Retrieved from https://aaafoundation.org/acute-sleep-deprivation-and-risk-of-motor-vehicle-crash-involvement/