Almost a Third of Young Drivers Say They Film Themselves While Driving

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Almost a Third of Young Drivers Say They Film Themselves While Driving

Introduction

It’s no secret that the young drivers has grown up with smartphones and social media, but a disturbing new trend has emerged – nearly a third of young drivers admit to filming themselves while driving. While capturing moments on video might seem harmless, doing it while behind the wheel is anything but. Dangerous habits like this are creeping into the everyday driving routines of many young drivers, which not only puts their lives at risk but also jeopardizes the safety of others on the road.

Let’s delve deeper into this alarming trend, along with other bad driving habits of young drivers, and the potential consequences.

The Rise of Filming and Taking Photos While Driving

Recent research conducted by IAM RoadSmart, a road safety charity, surveyed 1,000 young drivers aged 18 to 26 and discovered shocking results. Around 31% admitted to either filming, taking pictures, or both while driving. What’s worse is that 57% of those drivers then went on to post these photos or videos on social media to gain likes and validation from their peers.

Why Do Young Drivers Film Themselves While Driving?

It’s all about the thrill of attention. Social media has created a culture of validation through likes, comments, and shares. Young people, in particular, crave the approval of their followers and friends, which often leads to risky behaviors for the sake of popularity. The instant gratification of a “like” often overshadows the immediate danger they face when distracted behind the wheel.

Other Alarming Habits Among Young Drivers

The same survey also highlighted other bad habits that young drivers engage in. Here’s a breakdown of the most common behaviors:

Texting While Driving

One in six young drivers admitted to texting while driving. This is one of the most dangerous distractions, as taking your eyes off the road for even a second can result in catastrophic consequences. Texting requires not only visual attention but also cognitive and manual focus, which leaves little room for actual driving.

Driving Under the Influence

Even more concerning is the fact that one in 20 young drivers admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is an incredibly dangerous practice that significantly increases the chances of accidents and fatalities on the road.

Speeding

Speeding continues to be a major issue. One in six young drivers confessed to driving at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour. At that speed, it becomes much harder to react to sudden changes in traffic, road conditions, or other potential hazards.

Consequences of Speeding

Driving at 90 mph or higher can lead to severe penalties. For young drivers who have had their license for less than two years, accumulating six points from speeding tickets is enough to revoke their license entirely. It’s not just a financial hit; it’s the potential loss of driving privileges and, worse, the risk of an accident.

The Impact of Distraction and Bad Driving Habits

The Illusion of Safety

Despite these worrying statistics, nine out of ten young drivers claim they follow the rules of the road regularly. This gap between self-perception and reality points to a concerning lack of self-awareness. They believe that minor slip-ups, like texting or taking a quick photo, aren’t as dangerous as they really are. This self-delusion is particularly problematic when combined with their inexperience behind the wheel.

Accidents Involving Young Drivers

According to the Department of Transport, one in five drivers crashes within the first year of passing their driving test. The risks are high, and for young drivers, the statistics are staggering. In 2022, nearly 5,000 people were seriously injured or killed in accidents involving young drivers. This goes to show that the habits they develop in their first years of driving can have lifelong repercussions.

Top 20 Bad Habits of Young Drivers

1. Eating while driving
   Many young drivers snack on the go, diverting their attention from the road.
2. Driving while tired
   Fatigue reduces reaction time and impairs judgment.
3. Speeding
   Driving too fast increases the likelihood of severe accidents.
4. Road rage
   Aggressive behaviors, like shouting or honking, distract from safe driving.
5. Changing lanes without indicating
   Failing to signal increases the risk of collisions.
6. Distracted driving due to passengers
   Friends in the car can be a major source of distraction.
7. Driving in bad weather despite warnings
   Ignoring weather warnings can lead to dangerous situations.
8. Texting while driving
   Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions while driving.
9. Using a phone without a hands-free device
   Holding a phone while driving divides attention.
10. Driving without wearing a seatbelt
    This basic safety measure is ignored by some young drivers.
11. Running red lights
    Running lights dramatically increases the chances of accidents.
12. Driving with headphones on
    This can limit a driver’s ability to hear important sounds like sirens or horns.
13. Letting someone else change gears
    This habit can reduce control over the vehicle.
14. Driving a defective vehicle
    Ignoring vehicle defects can result in breakdowns or accidents.
15. Racing friends
    Competitive driving can lead to risky maneuvers and accidents.
16. Letting someone else steer
    Sharing control of the steering wheel is incredibly dangerous.
17. Applying makeup while driving
    Grooming while driving is a major distraction.
18. Overloading the vehicle
    Carrying too much weight reduces visibility and control.
19. Tailgating
    Driving too closely to another vehicle increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
20. Driving under the influence
    Alcohol and drugs impair motor skills and judgment.

Why Young Drivers Must Address These Habits

Driving is a responsibility, not a right. The more young drivers engage in reckless behaviors like filming, speeding, and driving under the influence, the more they endanger themselves and others. The key to becoming a better driver is awareness. Recognizing bad habits is the first step to breaking them. Young drivers must understand that every decision they make behind the wheel can have life-altering consequences.

Conclusion

The statistics are clear: young drivers are engaging in dangerous behaviors at alarming rates, and this needs to change. Filming while driving, texting, speeding, and driving under the influence are just a few of the risky habits young drivers have adopted. It’s crucial that they become aware of the dangers these behaviors pose and work towards being more responsible on the road. Driving safely isn’t just about protecting yourself; it’s about protecting everyone around you.

FAQs

1. Why do young drivers film themselves while driving?
   Many young drivers film themselves for social media validation, seeking likes and approval from their followers.
2. What are the penalties for speeding?
   If a young driver exceeds 90 mph, they can face up to six points on their license, which could result in license revocation if they’ve been driving for less than two years.
3. How common is driving under the influence among young drivers?
   One in 20 young drivers admits to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. What is the most dangerous distraction while driving?
   Texting while driving is considered one of the most dangerous distractions, as it diverts visual, cognitive, and manual attention from the road.
5. What can be done to reduce dangerous driving habits among young people?
   Raising awareness through education, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and promoting the use of technology like hands-free devices can help reduce dangerous habits.Image by freepik