Study: Teens Like Texting, Loud Music While Driving
A study released today by Erie Insurance says most teens think they’re good drivers, even though a majority admitted to texting while driving.
The survey asked 2,127 licensed drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 about their driving behaviors. The most interesting results were:
- Cell phone use among teens while driving is 76%
- 57% admit to texting “sometimes” or to often reading or sending text messages while driving
- 93% of teens play loud music when they drive
- 48% admit they’re easily distracted when friends are passengers
- 91% think they’re good drivers
- 34% say their friends are good drivers
- 97% have witnessed other teens take risks while driving
Now, back in my day there was certainly some loud music being played and friends on board, so I won’t chastise today’s fun-loving teens for that. The 57% admitting to texting in some fashion, though, is alarming, as is the 76% on the cell phone. I see far too many adult drivers performing poorly on the road with cell attached firmly to ear. What do you think? Alarming trend or no big deal?
