Jul 7, 2008

Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel

Statistically, newly licensed teen drivers have higher crash and traffic violation rates than more experienced drivers. That’s a fact few dispute, but what may be surprising is the role their parents’ driving record plays in helping to determine their behavior. Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel, a new documentary funded by the insurance company Travelers, explores the behavioral influence parental driving has on teenagers.

“The documentary supports the finding of the New Jersey Teen Driver Study Commission (TDSC) that parent driving habits greatly influence the way teens drive,” said Lisa Pollak, an appointee to the TDSC. “Travelers sponsored Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel because we’re committed to helping parents improve the safety of teen drivers. We feel the documentary demonstrates that safe teen driving is a partnership between the parent and the teen.”

The program follows five families over the course of six months, documenting the real-life issues they face as parents adjust to being the passengers and teens are in control behind the wheel. The program also examines how teen driving habits are formed. From glimpses into parental driving, one industry expert interviewed for the film was able to identify accurately which adult was the parent of each child simply by looking at turning techniques and following patterns. It emphasized the point that from a very early age, children are watching what their parents do behind the wheel. Industry experts also weighed in on teenage brain development (a subject some believe oxymoronic) and teens’ ability to anticipate events that might be hazardous on the road.