Thirty-seven percent of US teenagers admit that text messaging is the biggest distraction while driving, according to a survey of 900 students by SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and Liberty Mutual Insurance Group.
The research was completed against a background of increasing teen driving tragedies involving text messaging. According to SADD distractions are beoming as prevalent as drinking and driving in terms of inhibiting young people driving abilities. The most distracting behaviours were identified as;
- Instant text messaging while driving – 37%
- [The young drivers] emotional state – 20%
- Having several friends in the car – 19%
- Talking on the phone – 14%
- Eating or drinking – 7%
- Having a friend in the car – 5%
- Listening to music – 4%
Although US focused, the study is extremely relevant to promoting safer novice driving in the UK. New mobile phone laws as well as the proposed changes to novice driver testing and restrictions ‘tick’ a number of the distractions identified, but there is little education or publicity work done around considering the ’emotional state’ while driving, which is number 2 on the list. It is truely worrying that so many young people are text messaging while driving and dangers of doing this really do need to be emphasised to a greater degree.
Teen Driving statistics are staggering. Most states have enacted better graduated teen driving laws which have had a positive impact. But statistics show that inexperience is still one of largest causes in new driver crashes. I recently saw this article on the Weary Parent site and thought it was worth sharing. It is a possible simple solution to help experienced drivers be aware that a new driver is behind the wheel.
Rookie Driver – Keeping New Drivers Safe
One of the best ways to help keep new teen drivers safe is by giving them a way to be identified as new drivers by others on the road. It has been a long standing tradition in Europe to identify cars being driven by “Learners” with a very easy to identify “L” sticker. By alerting other drivers on the road of the new drivers, experienced drivers can give them more room, be more cautious and a little more understanding when minor courtesy mistakes are made.
Rookie Driver.Net is bringing the awareness to the US, using a fun, teen accepted, car magnet that says Rookie Driver. Afterall, being “Rookie of the Year” is cool in sports, and to teens Rookie Driver is more acceptable than Student Driver or other terms.
The Rookie Driver web site also includes an entire page of teen driving safety links. Definitely worth a look if you have a rookie driver or one who is soon to be.
I just returned from a trip to Baltimore MD and saw dozens of these Rookie Driver magnets—I thought it was great knowing there was a novice driving…it made me more cautious. As an experienced driver, I’m all for being alerted of a new driver, in an effort create safer travel for all.
Source: http://www.wearyparent.com/rookie-driver-keeping-new-drivers-safe/
[…] phone – 14% Eating or drinking – 7% Having a friend in the car – 5% Listening to music – 4% https://racfoundation.wordpress.com/2007/… ANSWER: Statistics say that everyone who does it eventually has an accident, sooner or […]
Just what honestly encouraged u to write “Texting while
driving is the greatest in car distraction for US teenagers RAC Foundation Blog”?
I reallygenuinely enjoyed reading the post! I appreciate it -Elsa