Teens Say 'YES' to Driving Restrictions That Make Roads Safe

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