DOT Survey Reveals Young Passengers Least Likely to Speak Up About Distracted Driving

A U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) survey reveals people between the ages of 18 to 24 are the least likely to say something when a driver texts, emails or talks on a cell phone while driving a car they are a passenger in. The survey, conducted by the DOTs National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) agency, polled more than 6,000 drivers on the issue of distracted driving. According to the DOTs Secretary, Ray LaHood, distracted driving has become an “epidemic on our roadways.”

When asked as passengers how they felt about drivers who text or emailed while driving, 90 percent of respondents considered this kind of behavior as very unsafe. However, when asked if they would say something to a driver who was texting, talking or emailing while driving, only two-thirds of young people polled said they would feel comfortable speaking up, compared to about half of older adults (65 or older). The survey also found that young drivers reported the highest incident rate of texting or talking on their phone when involved in a car crash or near-crash experience. Compared to drivers over the age of 25, young drivers are three times more likely to report distracted driving when involved in an car accident or near-crash experience. Overall, young drivers are three times more likely to text or talk while driving.

How can young passengers overcome the struggle to speak up about a driver’s illegal cell pone use? According to KidsHealth.org, a young passenger can try one of several approaches:

• Direct approach – tell the driver how nervous you get when people text and drive
• Subtle approach – ask the driver if you can type for them or tell them you have seen a lot of police patrol cars on the road
• Group approach – as a group, take the keys away from the driver or refuse to ride in the car
• Life-saving approach – Avoid riding with a person who continues to text or mocks you for being concerned about texting and driving.

As a California personal injury attorney, I have seen the tragic consequences associated with distracted driving, and I encourage all young people to say something when a driver is texting, emailing or talking on a cell phone. If we all encourage others to drive safely, we can help make our roads much safer. For more information about the distracted driving survey visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. For more information on how to approach a texting or talking driver, visit the Kids Health website.