On the roads, young people tend to reproduce the risky behaviors of their parents, according to a survey.
When it comes to road safety, children are greatly influenced by the behavior of their parents. This is the finding that can be drawn from a survey conducted by the Attitude Prévention association in order to assess the behavior of 18-24 year olds behind the wheel, their feelings and the factors impacting their driving.
Three quarters of those polled thus affirm that it is their parents who had the most influence on the drivers than they are today (43% their father, 31% their mother). Which may sound like a good thing. Almost nine in ten young drivers (89%) say they adapt their driving to the passengers they are carrying. They are particularly vigilant when members of their family are in their vehicle (85%); 98% feel they are more careful around their parents.
Corrected by parents
In addition, more than one in three young drivers has already been picked up by a passenger as a result of risky behavior, and this is mainly by their parents (58%), the survey still shows.
In the end, 65% of young drivers believe they are less good drivers than their parents. They give themselves an average mark of 7.6 / 10, lower than that which they attribute to the conduct of their parents (7.9 / 10).
Parents not always very exemplary
But in fact, the parents are far from exemplary. According to their children, 92% have already engaged in risky driving behavior in their presence. Dangerous behaviors that directly influence those of young people, since they reproduce them more when they have been confronted with them. Indeed, 95% of young drivers admit having had at least one risky behavior while driving. These behaviors are cited more when parents take these same risks.
However, these young people seem aware of the risks associated with driving, and eager to transmit responsible behavior. Thus, 61% know that road accidents are the leading cause of death among 18-24 year olds. Almost eight in ten drivers (79%) check, for example, that their passengers are properly secured.
When they are themselves passengers, 86% of young people make a remark if someone is not strapped in and 99% react if the driver does not seem fit to drive (by getting behind the wheel for 68%, by preventing him from driving for 53% …).
A campaign for young people
It prevents. On the roads, 18-24 year olds are “particularly vulnerable users”, recalls the Attitude Prévention association. In 2016, 597 of them died at the wheel, or 17% of road fatalities, while they represent only 8% of the population.
To raise awareness among this population, the association is launching an Internet campaign with two spots dealing with the telephone and drinking and driving.
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