U.S. teens and tweens say their parents are riskier drivers than they claim, according to a new national survey commissioned by Ford Motor Company.
More than half (51 percent) have asked their parents to slow down, stop talking or texting by hand, or practice other safe driving behaviours. An even larger number (80 percent) of teens and tweens have seen their parents engage in risky actions behind the wheel, while looking to their elders as driving role models.
How much of a role model? Well, 78 percent say their mothers and fathers have ''a lot of influence'' on the way they will drive and 66 percent of teenage drivers say their parents’ actions influence their driving.
Other telling stats are provided by the study to highlight parents' ''do as I say, don't do as I do'' motto. Overall, 82 percent of parents expressed interest in enrolling their child in a safe driver training program, yet less than 20 percent currently do – even though they rank more comprehensive driver education programs as the top way to improve safety. Unsurprisingly, teens prioritize new technologies such as voice-controlled, hands-free connectivity systems.
''Open communication with your child is vital as they are reaching the driving age'', said family communications expert Dr. Charles Sophy. ''First, set a positive example or they won’t take you seriously. Then, take time to talk with them about expectations like curfews, driving destinations and speed limits, and do so on a regular basis. Encourage them to attend local driving clinics or volunteer with community police departments to see firsthand what happens on the road. This can help empower your youngsters to make good decisions''.
More than half (51 percent) have asked their parents to slow down, stop talking or texting by hand, or practice other safe driving behaviours. An even larger number (80 percent) of teens and tweens have seen their parents engage in risky actions behind the wheel, while looking to their elders as driving role models.
How much of a role model? Well, 78 percent say their mothers and fathers have ''a lot of influence'' on the way they will drive and 66 percent of teenage drivers say their parents’ actions influence their driving.
Other telling stats are provided by the study to highlight parents' ''do as I say, don't do as I do'' motto. Overall, 82 percent of parents expressed interest in enrolling their child in a safe driver training program, yet less than 20 percent currently do – even though they rank more comprehensive driver education programs as the top way to improve safety. Unsurprisingly, teens prioritize new technologies such as voice-controlled, hands-free connectivity systems.
''Open communication with your child is vital as they are reaching the driving age'', said family communications expert Dr. Charles Sophy. ''First, set a positive example or they won’t take you seriously. Then, take time to talk with them about expectations like curfews, driving destinations and speed limits, and do so on a regular basis. Encourage them to attend local driving clinics or volunteer with community police departments to see firsthand what happens on the road. This can help empower your youngsters to make good decisions''.