Nearly all parents (95%) believe they’re safe drivers, yet 82% of their teens say they see their parents behave carelessly when driving, according to Ford. One in two parents (51%) admit their teens have asked them to slow down, stop talking or texting, or generally drive more safely.
Parents’ worst offenses, according to teens, include distraction due to eating or drinking (57%), talking or texting without a headset (42%), and grooming or applying makeup (32%). Young people look to their parents for driving education. Three in four tweens (78%) and 66% of teens say their parents have “a lot of influence” on the way they drive, and an additional 66% of teens say their parents’ actions often speak loudest. Only one in four (25%) have had formal driving education.
Source: Ford, Susan Krusel, 16800 Executive Plaza Dr., Dearborn, MI 48126; 313-322-7998; skrusel@ford.com; www.ford.com.
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