Teens learn how to drive by practicing an average 3.21 days and 1.60 hours each week, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Some 40% of the practice happens during the weekend. Most teens (50%) practice on two cars, primarily a passenger or sedan type (50%); 26% learn via a minivan, 18% on an SUV, and 6% via a pick-up truck.
Six in 10 teens (60%) practice driving outside the standard driver education course. Mom is their main teacher, though she is often just winging it. Only 8% of parents receive materials that offer advice for parents of beginning drivers. Parents say the top teen driving mistakes involve turning and braking. However, after two weeks, parents typically feel their teen is ready to drive unsupervised in light traffic or on a two-lane country road.
A few parents don’t provide their undivided attention in teaching their teen to drive. Some 4% operate a cellphone or PDA, 3% read or handle papers, and 2% eat or drink. Teens, conversely, are on their best behavior, reporting no distracting habits, including 74% who drive with zero or barely audible music.
Once teens receive their license, they are more likely to share a vehicle with a parent or sibling than get their own (60% vs. 40%). They typically drive a passenger car (60%) or SUV (17%). [Automotive]
Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 607 14th St., NW, #201, Washington, DC 20005; 202-638-5944; www.aaafoundation.org.
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