It’s no surprise that teenagers mirror their parents’ driving habits. Whether it’s talking on the phone, texting, or eating while driving, teens are likely to follow suit. However, a study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) and Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. reveals that what teens think their parents do behind the wheel has an even greater impact on their behavior than what parents actually admit to doing.
According to Ray Bingham, research professor at UMTRI, “Children look to their parents for a model of what is acceptable. Parents should know that every time they get behind the wheel with their child in the car they are providing a visible example that their child is likely to follow.”
The Study’s Findings
UMTRI and Toyota researchers surveyed over 2,600 newly licensed drivers aged 16-18 and nearly 3,000 parents during August and September 2012. They found a strong correlation between parents’ and teens’ distracted driving behaviors. For instance, if teens believe their parents deal with passenger issues while driving, they are five times more likely to do the same, compared to twice as likely if their parents simply report doing so.
Perception vs. Reality
Teens often perceive their parents as more distracted than they actually are. For example:
- iPod Use: 33% of teens think their parents use an iPod while driving, while only 10% of parents report doing so.
- Dealing with Passenger Issues: 85% of teens believe their parents engage with passengers while driving, compared to 70% of parents admitting to it.
- Texting and Driving: Teens are significantly more likely to underestimate their own texting behaviors compared to their parents’ perceptions. More than a quarter of teens text while driving, but only 1% of parents think their teen does this.
Additional Findings
- Cell Phone Use: Over half of teens and 60% of parents use hand-held cell phones while driving.
- Texting: About 25% of teens respond to texts and 30% read texts while driving. Alarmingly, 20% of teens and 10% of parents engage in extended text conversations while driving.
- Social Media: More than half of teens search for music on portable devices while driving, and over 10% check social media.
- Passenger Risks: Two-thirds of teens drive with multiple teen passengers without adults, significantly increasing their risk of a fatal crash.
The Role of Parents
This study underscores the powerful role parents play in modeling safe driving behaviors. As Tina Sayer, principal engineer at Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center, notes, “Driver education begins the day a child’s car seat is turned around to face front.” Parents should consistently demonstrate safe driving habits to set a strong example for their teens.
By being mindful of their own driving behaviors and setting clear expectations, parents can significantly reduce the risk of distracted driving among teens. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every trip is safe for everyone on the road.
For more information, you can read the full study details and explore additional evidence.