Teen drivers report feeling no control over crash risk

While the majority of teen drivers have a personal sense of responsibility for themselves and their passengers, many admitted that they feel helpless about their own risk of collision, notes a new survey from State Farm.

About 40% of licensed or permitted teen drivers included in the insurer’s survey of 655 U.S. teens said that they have no control over whether they will get into a car crash, according to State Farm and Harris Interactive, which helped conduct the study.

Most said they had a personal sense of responsibility for themselves (98%) and for their passengers (99%).

“It’s promising that almost all teen drivers surveyed feel a strong sense of responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers,” Chris Mullen, director of technology research at State Farm noted.

“Since previous research shows that 75% of teen crashes are caused by driver error, it is troubling that so many believe they have no control over whether or not they will crash,” she added.

While 80% of teens surveyed said they were concerned about other drivers on the road, only 55% said they were concerned with their own lack of driving experience, State Farm noted.

Nearly half (49%) of those who had their license admitted to texting or reading a text while driving, but only 6% of those who only have a permit said the same.

However, 93% of teens said they wear their seat belt all of the time, the insurer said, adding that this was a promising result. About three-quarters also reported driving with only one peer passenger in the vehicle.

More than half (58%) also reported that their parents make suggestions for how they can become better drivers.

“Most teens are getting the message when it comes to risky driving behaviors like not wearing their seat belts or having too many passengers in their car; but less are aware of the dangers of their inexperience,” Mullen said.

“There is also still room for improvement when it comes to interacting with electronic devices while driving; teens should be aiming for zero percent usage.”