Parents of new drivers often worry about their teenage kids succumbing to distractions —particularly those involving cellphones — while driving. But new research shows that it is parents themselves who initiate the majority of phone-related distractions for teenagers.
Teens who talk on the phone behind the wheel are taking calls from their parents in 53 percent of cases, USA Today reports. In comparison, about 46 percent of the time, teens talk on the phone a friend.
The research, based on a survey of more than 400 15-18 year olds from 31 states, was recently presented at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association (APA).
“Teens told us parents really expected to keep track of them, and they are expected to answer the phone if the parent calls,” said psychologist and study co-author Noelle LaVoie. “In some cases, the parent might continue to call until the teen answers.”
‘Overconfident In Their Ability To Multi-Task’
A different study presented at the APA conference focused on the distracted driving habits of college students. It found that 89 percent place phone calls while driving and 79 percent text and drive.
Co-author Keli Braitman said, “Younger drivers seemed overconfident in their ability to multi-task” and also noted that research has shown younger drivers are the most likely to text or talk while driving.
Not all researchers agree with that assessment, however. The American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety released a report last year that found adult drivers between the ages of 25 and 39 were the most likely to use their phones while driving.
According to the AAA study 43 percent of adults in that age group reported driving and using a cell phone “fairly often or regularly” compared to 20 percent of teens.
LaVoie’s research uncovered a similar trend. “One of the things teens talked about is the fact that parents used their cell phones while driving,” she said.
Distracted Driving Dangerous for All Drivers
The most recent annual data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows 16 percent of all motor vehicle crashes, 18 percent of injury crashes and 10 percent of fatal crashes as distraction-affected (a category that includes all distractions, not just cellphone distractions). Per NHTSA data, teen drivers are the most likely to be involved in a fatal distraction-related crash.
In a NHTSA study of drivers’ attitudes toward distraction, many acknowledged the dangers of the behavior, but they tended to see it as more risky when done by others.
“Using your phone while driving may seem safe,” said Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research, “but it roughly quadruples your risk of being in a crash. None of us is immune from the dangers of distracted driving. The best advice is to hang up and drive.”
Parents of new drivers often worry about their teenage kids succumbing to distractions —particularly those involving cellphones — while driving. But new research shows that it is parents themselves who initiate the majority of phone-related distractions for teenagers.
Teens who talk on the phone behind the wheel are taking calls from their parents in 53 percent of cases, USA Today reports. In comparison, about 46 percent of the time, teens talk on the phone a friend.
The research, based on a survey of more than 400 15-18 year olds from 31 states, was recently presented at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association (APA).
“Teens told us parents really expected to keep track of them, and they are expected to answer the phone if the parent calls,” said psychologist and study co-author Noelle LaVoie. “In some cases, the parent might continue to call until the teen answers.”
‘Overconfident In Their Ability To Multi-Task’
A different study presented at the APA conference focused on the distracted driving habits of college students. It found that 89 percent place phone calls while driving and 79 percent text and drive.
Co-author Keli Braitman said, “Younger drivers seemed overconfident in their ability to multi-task” and also noted that research has shown younger drivers are the most likely to text or talk while driving.
Not all researchers agree with that assessment, however. The American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety released a report last year that found adult drivers between the ages of 25 and 39 were the most likely to use their phones while driving.
According to the AAA study 43 percent of adults in that age group reported driving and using a cell phone “fairly often or regularly” compared to 20 percent of teens.
LaVoie’s research uncovered a similar trend. “One of the things teens talked about is the fact that parents used their cell phones while driving,” she said.
Distracted Driving Dangerous for All Drivers
The most recent annual data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows 16 percent of all motor vehicle crashes, 18 percent of injury crashes and 10 percent of fatal crashes as distraction-affected (a category that includes all distractions, not just cellphone distractions). Per NHTSA data, teen drivers are the most likely to be involved in a fatal distraction-related crash.
In a NHTSA study of drivers’ attitudes toward distraction, many acknowledged the dangers of the behavior, but they tended to see it as more risky when done by others.
“Using your phone while driving may seem safe,” said Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research, “but it roughly quadruples your risk of being in a crash. None of us is immune from the dangers of distracted driving. The best advice is to hang up and drive.”