Study Reveals Most Teens Engage in Risky Behaviors While Driving
Phoenix, Ariz. July 10, 2007 – Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, having claimed more than 700 lives in Arizona between 1995 and 2004 and more than 4,000 lives per year nationwide. One of the most significant factors contributing to this epidemic is the alarming number of teen drivers engaging in risky behavior while they are driving, according to a new survey by AAA and Seventeen magazine.
“July and August are two of the most dangerous months for teen drivers as they are out of school and spending more time behind the wheel,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs manager for AAA Arizona. “Inexperience, coupled with the risky behaviors teens are likely to engage in, dramatically increases their likelihood of being involved in a crash. That is why it is extremely important that teens and their parents know the facts, and attend one of the free AAA Dare to Prepare workshops AAA is offering this month.”
According to AAA’s recent research, 61 percent of more than 1,000 16- and 17-year old drivers admitted to one or several of the following risky driving habits and behaviors:
- 58 percent drive with their friends in the car
- 51 percent talk on their cell phone while driving
- 46 percent text message when driving
- 40 percent exceed the speed limit by 10 miles per hour or more while driving
- 11 percent admit to drinking or using other drugs before getting behind the wheel
“These results highlight a disturbing trend among novice drivers,” said Gorman. “Teens’ attention should not be divided among phones, friends and the road.”
AAA Arizona recommends that parents talk to their teens about the following before handing over the keys:
- Know the Facts. Attend AAA Arizona’s “Dare to Prepare” workshop for parents and their teens. The workshop will provide participants with critical information they will need to know before teens take the wheel, and will explain the steps to obtain a permit and a driver’s license in the state of Arizona. Additionally, it will provide guidance and useful tools to help your teen go through the learning-to-drive process. The program is free for AAA members. There are currently four open workshop dates in July and September. The workshops will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at AAA Headquarters located at 3144 North 7th Avenue in Phoenix. To register, please call 602.650.2726.
- Distractions. Limit the number of passengers allowed to ride in your teenager’s vehicle to no more than one in order to reduce the risk of your teen being distracted while driving. Also, discuss the dangers of other distractions with your teen, such as cell phones, text messaging and music, among others.
- Drugs & Alcohol. Make an agreement with your teen that they will not drive or ride with anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Buckle Up. Make sure your teen wears their seatbelt and knows the importance of buckling up every single time they get into a car, even if they are just driving or riding a short distance.
- Be There. Make sure your teen knows that if they need help, advice or a ride, they can call you at any time, no questions asked. Extend this offer often so they are reminded that it is always available to them, and let them know that they will not be judged or in trouble should they need your help.
- Lead by Example. Be a positive role model by exhibiting good driving skills and behavior such as obeying speed limits, being courteous to other drivers, and avoiding the use of electronic devices while driving.
“Creating a parent-teen driving agreement can be a helpful way to open the lines of communication,” said Gorman. “These agreements should clearly spell out driving privileges, responsibilities and consequences for violations. They can also be used to ward off peer pressure.”
Parents can also consider implementing a “Parent to Parent” contract, which encourages parents to adopt a shared view and approach to their teen’s driving, and to work as a team to ensure teens gain driving experience in the safest environment possible during their first and most critical year as a driver. Sample contracts can be found by visiting www.aaaaz.com/news.
To see the article as it appears in Seventeen magazine, click here.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to 750,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. |
