The survey responses included 16,672 students ages 13 to 18 (75% of which were 15-17). All participating schools are members of the TDS school program and received individualized survey results.
Survey results showed that 80% of students recognized the severe danger in three or more of the following:
- distractions (texting, talking, etc.)
- drowsy driving
- speeding
- lack of seat belt
- impaired driving (alcohol, drugs)
While great progress has been made, more work is needed to focus on the risk factors that that teens need additional knowledge around:
- 13% of students slept less than 6 hours on average, putting them at even greater risk for a drowsy driving crash.
- Distracted driving – riding with passengers increases crash risk, but teens aren’t recognizing them as a danger to their driving (only 19% identified this risk).
- Use of social media while driving – While teens believe it’s unacceptable to use social media, 20% still reported doing so in the past 30 days.
- Nighttime driving – while teens drive less at night, more fatal crashes occur during this time, making it an important risk factor for them to be aware of.
Highlights from this section are included in the infographic on this page.
If you are a participating TDS school and would like to see your school’s survey results, sign up and watch for the survey tool and instructions in your kit. Complete the surveys to earn $200 for your school and to receive your results. Surveys are required in order to receive additional All-Star Rewards for all schools except those in Nebraska.