THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 5-11-12
BUT EVERYBODY’S DOING IT! EDITION
It’s taken a group of scientists from the Consumer Reports National Research Center to tell you what you already know about your teenager: s(he)’s not that interested in your advice. Even more breaking news—while teens can identify and acknowledge dangerous behaviors behind the wheel, they (you guessed it) take risks anyway!
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/06/distracted-driving-puts-young-drivers-at-risk/index.htm
The study surveyed drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 and found that, although teens overwhelming acknowledge the dangers of distracted driving, 29 percent admitted to texting and driving in the past month and a whopping 47 percent admitted to using a cell phone without a hands-free device during that period.
I find it suspicious that these same teens reported much higher rates of distracted driving among their peers. “Eighty-four percent saw other young people talking on a handheld phone, more than 70 percent witnessed texting, and about a third saw peers using apps, e-mail, or social media behind the wheel,” writes Consumer Reports. In other words, it’s the same old excuse: “Everybody’s doing it.”
As a mother of two teens, I’ve heard it before. But it’s time that we adults grew up too!!! Just under half of these same teens reported seeing Mom or Dad chatting on a handheld phone, while 15 percent caught them texting and driving. Way to set an example, people! Obviously, many parents respond to “everybody’s doing it,” with, “do as I say, not as I do.”
It’s no surprise that teens rated urging from family members as one of the least likely ways to make them stop driving distracted. Positive peer pressure and media campaigns have been much more successful.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, incidents of texting while driving peak between the ages of 18 and 20, then decrease sharply as drivers hit 25. But don’t count on your teen making it safely through those high-risk years. Traffic deaths are still the leading cause of death for teens. Treat distracted driving as seriously as you do underage drinking, drugs, smoking, and unprotected sex!
For parents hoping to reform their parenting strategies, here’s a resource from the NHTSA:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Driver+Education/Teen+Drivers/Teen+Drivers+-+Parents+&+Teens
What do you think? Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/
My Final Thought
Despite a still-shaky economy and high gasoline costs, U.S. car sales are now expected to hit 14.3 vehicles, one of its best growth streaks since 2007!
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120510/RETAIL01/120519995/1492
Who should we thank for this great recovery: government bailouts, consumer demand, better access to credit, or innovations from automakers? How about…Mitt Romney?!?
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120510/RETAIL01/120519995/1492
Apparently the auto bailout is going to be a reoccurring topic in the upcoming presidential elections. Wherever you stand, at least we can all take a breath of relief that things continue to look up for many of the major automakers.
Who do you think is responsible for the auto industry rebound? Share your thoughts at: http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/
See you next week! Love Your Car! --Lauren Fix
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder