Teens More Likely to Engage in Risky Driving Behaviors If Their Parents Do

As we’ve discussed previously, 99% of Americans consider themselves to be safe drivers, despite the fact that over 75% admitted to performing dangerous activities behind the wheel. The people surveyed admitted to eating, drinking beverages, speeding, driving while tired, and using a cell phone while behind the wheel. The study demonstrates a clear disconnect between drivers’ perception of their driving abilities and their actual driving abilities. This disconnect makes it difficult for a driver to honestly examine their driving behavior and make corrections, which is perhaps why more than 3,000 people were killed and over 416,000 were injured in crashes involving distracted driving in 2010—despite the ample evidence available to the public showing the dangers of distracted driving.