Texting by a young driver was blamed for this August 2010 crash that killed two.
It’s always the other guy. The other driver who we expect to run the light or engage in some other risky behavior while behind the wheel. And that’s especially true, apparently, when it comes to the nation’s youngest motorists. While they’re aware of the dangers of distracted driving, a new survey says teens continue to engage in risky behaviors because they’re convinced they’re personally not at risk.
The study, sponsored by Bridgestone tires finds that teens are in complete denial when it comes to highway safety. More than half of the 2,000 drivers, aged 15 to 21 said they were aware that distracted driving poses risk, yet a large number continue to engage in risky behaviors, such as texting while driving or using handheld phones.
Notably girls are more likely than young male drivers to engage in behaviors that can cause distractions while behind the wheel. But teens and young adults are quick to point fingers and accuse their parents of taking even more risks.
“People often believe they drive safely and responsibly, especially our newest drivers,” said Angela Patterson, manager of the tiremaker’s Teens Drive Smart Program. “However we need to reinforce that it takes only one time — one sip of coffee, one change of the radio station, one glimpse at the cellphone – to cause or be involved in a crash that could have dire consequences.”
Young adults lack the experience of more experienced motorists and use the metrics at hand to rate their own skills, such as whether or not they’ve been ticketed or had an accident yet, the survey found.
Among the more notable findings:
- A third of those surveyed admitted reading text messages while driving;
- A quarter of them did not believe talking on the phone while driving is dangerous;
- Two-thirds believe they are “very safe” drivers, though only half felt their parents would mirror that assessment.
“Distracted driving is an epidemic on America’s roadways, and our young drivers are among the most at risk,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, who complimented Bridgestone for the survey.
Separately, the tire company announced plans for a Teen Drive Smart Video Contest, asking young filmmakers in the most at-risk age category to come up with short automotive safety-themed videos. They will be judged by peers and the top three win college scholarships of up to $25,000. The first place winner will, meanwhile, get to see their video run on the MTV Jumbotron in New York’s Times Square in August.