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(NAPSI)-Giving some thought to how teens think and feel about driving could help keep them safe. That's the conclusion of a study that examined attitudes and opinions teenagers hold about getting behind the wheel.
The research was commissioned to explore reasons behind the alarming statistics about teens and motor vehicles. Every year in the U.S., nearly 6,000 teenagers are killed and another 300,000 are injured in motor vehicle crashes. Experts fear these statistics may get worse as current population trends indicate there will be 23 percent more young drivers on the road in just five years.
The study, which is included as part of a comprehensive new report called "Chronic: A Report on the State of Teen Driving 2005," was conducted by The Allstate Foundation. The non-profit organization plans to use results of the survey to guide the development of a teen-centered safe-driving program-one that uses input from teens to help address a stubborn problem that has challenged society for decades. The effort is part of what the foundation says is a long-term effort to keeping drivers safe on the road. Here's a look at some of the report's findings:
"I'm a good driver, not a safe driver"
Teens do not view "good" driving and "safe" driving as one and the same. Eighty-three percent of teens "strongly agree" or "somewhat agree" that people can be skilled drivers, but not safe drivers. While 46 percent of male teens said they are "better drivers" than girls, only 22 percent said they were safer drivers.
"If I'm sober, I'm safe"
Teens rightfully believe drinking and driving is dangerous, but they tend to be less aware of more common causes of crashes. Drinking is a factor in 13 percent of crashes involving 16-year-olds. However, 75 percent of teen deaths on the road are due to speeding and driver error.
"Speeding is normal"
Despite the fact that almost half of all teen driving fatalities are caused by speeding, teens say speeding is part of their daily driving experience. Sixty-nine percent of teen drivers that speed said they do it to keep up with traffic. One-in-four self-identified aggressive teen drivers reported speeding by more than 20 miles over the limit.
Driving distractions
Teens say they struggle with distractions while driving and admit to engaging in potentially risky behaviors. Forty-seven percent said passengers sometimes distract them. More than half (56 percent) make and answer phone calls while driving. Thirteen percent (about 1.6 million teens) drive while text messaging.
For more information and study results, visit the Web site www.allstate.com/community/chronic.htm.