NORTHBROOK, Ill., March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey from
The Allstate Foundation uncovered a refreshing advocate for
graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws – teens. The survey explored
teens' opinions about licensing policies and GDL, and found that 74
percent support a comprehensive GDL law that includes an age 16
licensure start, nighttime and passenger restrictions, and cell
phone and texting bans until the age of 18.
The survey also found that teens recognize the risk of
distracted driving, which contributes to 25 percent of all
police-reported traffic crashes. The vast majority of teens, 93
percent, are in favor of texting bans and 85 percent approved of
cell phone bans.
"Results from The Allstate Foundation survey show that teens
understand the role of uniform GDL laws in saving lives, and
overwhelmingly support a legislative solution that safely
introduces them to the driving experience," said Joan Walker, senior vice president of corporate
relations, Allstate. "Eleven teens die every day in car crashes and
legislators have a responsibility to protect American families. Now
is the time for policy makers to listen to our youngest drivers,
make traffic safety a priority and enact tough, enforceable GDL
laws."
GDL lets teen drivers get on-the-road driving experience
gradually, under lower-risk conditions. Many GDL laws vary by
state, but the most effective provisions include:
- Extended periods of supervised driving before a full license is
granted
- Required hours of adult supervision during learner periods
- Restrictions on late-night driving during initial months after
teen gets a license
- Limits on driving with teen passengers
"The survey produced surprisingly high and consistent approval
for a comprehensive law among all teen demographics," said Dr.
Allan Williams, former chief
scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the
researcher who analyzed The Allstate Foundation survey. "The
results of the survey provide the latest look at teens'
perspectives on GDL laws, and dispel many of the myths behind
teen's attitudes related to obtaining a drivers license."
About the Survey
The national survey was comprised of 1,383 online interviews of
teens between the ages of 15 and 18. Participants were drawn from a
nationally representative panel of US households, using
probability-based sampling. The survey was conducted in
November 2010 by Knowledge
Networks.
For more information about the survey, visit
www.AllstateFoundation.org/teen-licensing-survey.
About The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent,
charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The
Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with
nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation
brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to
support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's
well-being and prosperity. With a focus on teen safe driving and
building financial independence for domestic violence survivors,
The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities;
tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. For
more information, visit www.allstate.com/foundation.
SOURCE The Allstate Foundation