Ann Arbor, Mich., Mar 16: Motor vehicle crashes continue to be a leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults, yet many families may underestimate the risks associated with young drivers, according to a new national survey.
A recent report from the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health reveals that while one in three parents worry their teen or young adult driver could cause an accident, most still believe their own child drives as well as or better than other drivers their age.
The nationally representative poll surveyed 1,780 parents of children aged 16 to 25 and found that most teens and young adults drive regularly, with nearly two-thirds driving almost every day. Despite this frequent road exposure, many parents appear to underestimate the risks linked to unsafe driving habits.
According to the findings, more than half of parents reported witnessing at least one unsafe driving behavior by their child. Nearly half observed aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding or tailgating, while one in four noticed distracted driving, including texting or multitasking behind the wheel. Additionally, about 17 percent of parents reported their child driving while impaired, such as when tired, emotionally distressed, or under the influence of alcohol or marijuana.
Sarah Clark, M.P.H., Co-Director of the poll, said the findings point to a disconnect between parents’ concerns and their perception of their own child’s driving ability. She noted that distracted, impaired, and aggressive driving behaviors are significant contributors to road accidents and that even seemingly minor distractions—like briefly checking a phone—can slow reaction time and increase crash risk.
Interestingly, parents of young adults aged 21 to 25 were more likely to report distracted or impaired driving than parents of teens aged 16 to 20. However, despite observing these behaviors, an overwhelming 96 percent of parents still rated their child’s driving skills as average or better compared with other drivers their age.
The poll also revealed that many parents take limited action even when they notice unsafe driving habits. Only one in four parents reported implementing measures to address risky behavior. These steps included installing vehicle monitoring devices, limiting driving privileges, restricting access to a family car, or threatening to stop paying for car insurance.
Experts say parental involvement remains crucial in promoting safe driving, particularly as driver education requirements vary widely across states. While most states have implemented hands-free laws and bans on texting while driving, other distractions—such as eating, grooming, or interacting with passengers—continue to pose significant safety risks.
Clark emphasized that parents often play the most influential role in shaping their child’s driving habits. She encourages families to maintain open discussions about safe driving practices, set clear expectations, and model responsible behavior behind the wheel.
“Parents are often the most influential driving instructors their teens will ever have,” Clark said. “Setting clear expectations, modeling safe driving, and enforcing consequences when needed can make a real difference.”
