Young Drivers Aware of Risky Behavior But Force Luck

According to a study applied on young drivers, 83 percent of teenagers admit that they talk on a cell phone, while driving and 68 percent admit to texting while driving, though they are aware of the dangers these practices are involving.

The study was conducted by the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) and The Allstate Foundation and its results were brought to public attention since May is the National Youth Traffic Safety Month (NYTSM).

The survey also revealed young drivers consider talking and texting on cell phones as dangerous as driving on icy roads and in rain and snow.

"Unfortunately, many young drivers know distracted driving is dangerous, but choose to take those risks when behind the wheel," said Sandy Spavone, executive director of NOYS.

"Car crashes are the No. 1 cause of death and injuries for teens in the United States, therefore we try to empower youth across the country to make a difference, reduce these crashes and develop and implement youth-led projects during National Youth Traffic Safety Month."

There were 605 young drivers surveyed, ages 16 to 20-years-old from across the United States. Through funding support from The Allstate Foundation, this survey found that many young drivers understand risks, but still choose to engage themselves in dangerous activities while behind the wheel.

"Reducing teen fatalities on our nation's roads is a priority for The Allstate Foundation," said Vicky Dinges, assistant vice president for public social responsibility at Allstate.

"The Allstate Foundation believes that putting teens in the driver's seat to develop real solutions that will help change the ways teens think and act in the car is key to reversing the statistics."