Lansing, MI – A new national survey suggests risky driving habits may be more common among teens and young adults than many parents realize.
According to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, more than half of parents say they have witnessed their teen or young adult engaging in at least one unsafe driving behavior. The survey included parents of drivers between the ages of 16 and 25.
The poll found 51% of parents have observed distracted, impaired, or aggressive driving by their child. Aggressive driving was the most common, with 44% reporting behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or road rage. Distracted driving followed at 25%, including texting or multitasking behind the wheel. Another 17% of parents said they have seen their child drive while impaired, including being overly tired, emotionally upset, or under the influence of alcohol or marijuana.
Despite these concerns, many parents still believe their child is a capable driver. Nearly all respondents rated their teen or young adult’s driving ability as average or better compared to their peers, even when they had witnessed risky behavior.
Still, one in three parents said they worry their child’s driving could cause an accident.
Researchers say the findings highlight a gap between what parents observe and how they perceive the risks. Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for teens and young adults, making driving behavior a major safety concern.
The poll also found that about one-quarter of parents have taken action to address their child’s driving habits. Those steps included installing monitoring devices in vehicles, restricting driving privileges, refusing use of the family car, or threatening to stop paying for car insurance.
Experts say parents play a key role in shaping driving habits, especially as driver education requirements vary across states and some programs allow online-only instruction.
The report also emphasizes that impairment is not limited to alcohol or drugs. Fatigue, anger, and emotional distress can impair driving ability in ways similar to alcohol, affecting reaction time and judgment behind the wheel.
Discuss this on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cqf6Paruw/
- NMD Staff
Staff@NewMediaDetroit.com