Teen Drivers Not as Safe as They Think

Several inexpensive aftermarket devices allow parents to monitor their teen drivers’ behavior behind the wheel via a smartphone app, and a recent study shows there’s a definite need for such high-tech snooping. While 89 percent of teens consider themselves to be “safe” drivers, 71 percent admit to speeding and 36 percent say they have an “aggressive” driving style. That’s according to data compiled by Liberty Mutual Insurance in Boston. with the organization Students Against Destructive Decisions in Marlborough, Mass. And their parents are largely clueless, with only 38 percent believing their kids ever exceed the speed limits. “What may seem insignificant to teen drivers, like driving a few miles over the speed limit, can have a major impact on their safety and endanger others on the road,” says Stephen Gray Wallace, a senior advisor at SADD. “We challenge parents and teens alike to revisit the importance of following the basic rules of the road. Ignoring driving fundamentals is simply not worth the risk.”