Teach by example

" 'Do as I say, not as I do' seems to be the philosophy of many parents when it comes to teaching their children safe driving behaviors," said Bill Windsor, Nationwide associate vice president of safety. "Parents can help their children learn safe driving skills by putting safety into practice whenever the ignition is turned on. They also need to discuss with their children what it means to be a smart driver well before it's time to take the permit test."

Key findings from the study:

• While nearly half of parents report that they typically drive at or below the speed limit, 80 percent of children observe that their parents drive over the speed limit.

• More than half of children have observed their parents multitasking behind the wheel, not keeping both hands on the steering wheel, and/or arguing and yelling at other drivers.

• One-third of kids surveyed have been scared by a parent's driving and 53 percent of parents have been scared when riding with their teen driving.

• More than half of children have not told their parents how they feel about their driving.

• 27 percent of teens with their driver's license have never had formal instruction and have learned from watching their parents and other people drive.

For more information about teen driving and how parents and children can discuss safe driving, please visit www.HaveTheTalk America.com.