A new study is connecting the dots between hundreds of crashes involving teen drivers.

Researchers analyzed a federal database of more than 800 accidents.

They found three common, critical errors that lead up to a crash.

The first was a lack of scanning that's needed to detect and respond to hazards. The second was speeding and the third was distracted driving.

A local driving instructor says awareness should always be the number one priority when teens are behind the wheel.

''The littlest thing can distract a driver either from outside the car or inside the car that can cause a split-second accident.," said Andre Wilkerson.

The study was conducted by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance Companies.