TMCnet Feature Free eNews Subscription
December 19, 2012

Goodyear Survey Finds Many Teens Making Calls While Driving in Europe

By Rory Lidstone, TMCnet Contributing Writer

It's commonly known and accepted that, for various reasons, teen drivers tend to be less safe behind the wheel than adult drivers. However, one reason for this, which is likely exacerbating other factors, is mobile phone use at the wheel.

The real issue is the fact that novice drivers are just more likely to become distracted, which is definitely not helped by mobile phone use.

According to a recent survey from Goodyear, many younger drivers continue to make phone calls, send texts and even surf the Web while behind the wheel. Indeed, 45 percent of respondents admitted to talking on the phone while driving, while 68 percent claimed to have seen a friend doing the same.



This survey polled 6,400 drivers below the age of 25 in 16 markets — 15 European countries and South Africa — about their driving habits in an attempt to "get inside the brain of the young driver," while providing insights into a new generation of drivers.


Image via Shutterstock

The survey also points out that 44 percent of those surveyed speak on the phone without using a headset or some other hands-free calling solution despite the fact that it is illegal in most countries.

Texting, generally considered even more dangerous than taking phone calls while driving, was also highlighted, with 41 percent of respondents admitting to texting, sending e-mails or using other messaging services while driving.

Looking to curb this trend of mobile use while driving, Goodyear said it intends to work with the European Driving Schools Association in order to provide young drivers with more training in terms of safe driving.

Earlier this year, AT&T initiated a driver safety campaign called "Texting and Driving... It Can Wait" in the U.S. in response to a similar survey, which found that 43 percent of teens admitted to texting while driving, despite three quarters of them admitting it's a dangerous thing to do.

And if that isn't enough of a deterrent, maybe the story of a couple receiving a $500,000 settlement after suing a teen who crashed into them while texting and driving is.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.




Edited by Brooke Neuman
» More TMCnet Feature Articles
Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [Free eNews Subscription]
SHARE THIS ARTICLE

LATEST TMCNET ARTICLES

» More TMCnet Feature Articles