a resource focusing on empowering parents
to influence their teen drivers to drive safely!
Focus: Distracted Driving
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Distracted Driving
- A risk not worth taking!
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Virginia
Tech study confirms texting while driving is a huge
risk. The results of the National
Youth Traffic Safety Month survey that was sponsored by The Allstate
Foundation indicated that although youth realize it is dangerous - they still text and drive. The survey indicated:
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Teens rank
texting and talking on a cell among most dangerous driving risks (87
percent believe texting while driving is dangerous)
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Compared to other
dangerous driving situations teens indicated that they feel texting is only
second to the danger of driving on icy roads yet the majority admit to taking
these preventable risks.
68
percent of teens admit to texting while driving (79 percent of females) but
only 21percent reported that they were confident in their driving ability
while texting
63
percent say talking on a cell phone while driving is dangerous
83
percent of teens admit to talking on their cell phone while driving (90 percent
female) but only 43 percent reported that they were confident in their driving ability while talking on a cell phone
The Virginia Tech study found texting while driving increases the risk of a
crash much more than previous studies have concluded with motorists
taking their eyes off the road longer than they do when talking or
listening on their cell phones.
Dialing a cell phone and using or reaching for an electronic device
increased risk of collision about 6 times in cars and trucks. Right before a crash or near collision, drivers spent nearly five
seconds looking at their devices, which was enough time at 55 mph to
cover more than the length of a football field.
Read more about this ground-breaking study by clicking here.
Parents, it's up to you and YOUR influence. Keep your
teen safe. Take a hard stand against distracted driving so that your
teen can drive by the rules and keep the privilege! For tips on
guidance and enforcement, click here.
Check it out for great links, facts, and an interactive map
that lists the distracted driving laws for your state. It's important
to remind your teen that they need to drive by the rules in order to
keep the privilege!
For even more information and helpful tips, visit Under YOUR Influence.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has
several resources available related to distracted driving!
Resources include information about cell phone use, research results, national survey results, publications, and much more.
Check it all out by clicking here.
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