Survey Reveals Teens Drink, Drive and Do Not Wear Seatbelts

A new national survey reveals that 77 percent of teen-agers speed when driving, 39 percent never wear seat belts or wear them only occasionally and 21 percent drive after drinking. This information is the result of a new survey of 700 teenagers and 400 parents by Students Against Destructive Decisions/Students Against Driving Drunk and the Liberty Mutual Group.

It shows that many young people continue to put themselves at great risk despite warnings and information. With the approach of graduation and summer – the most dangerous period for young drivers – now is the time to act, according to Stephen G. Wallace, SADD national chairman and CEO.

“More teens die in motor vehicle accidents in June, July and August than during other seasons of the year,” he said. SADD and Liberty Mutual gathered information on teen driving habits as part of their Teens Today partnership.

The nonprofit organization and the insurer plan to annually study teen and parent behaviors and attitudes on important safety issues, using the data to find out what’s happening in young people’s lives, and why.