We're all clear by now that texting drastically impairs driving... right?
But would you believe teens might be making our roads safer by adhering to the converse? Bouncing from Mark J. Perry to USA Today to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, I learn that the percentage of teens getting driver's licenses is declining, in part because they find driving gets in the way of texting:
"It is possible that the availability of virtual contact through electronic means reduces the need for actual contact among young people," said UMTRI research professor Michael Sivak. "Furthermore, some young people feel that driving interferes with texting and other electronic communication."
...About 87 percent of 19-year-olds in 1983 had their licenses, but 25 years later, that percentage had dropped to about 75 percent. Other teen driving groups have also declined: 18-year-olds fell from 80 percent in 1983 to 65 percent in 2008, 17-year-olds decreased from 69 percent to 50 percent, and 16-year-olds slipped from 46 percent to 31 percent ["Fewer Young, But More Elderly, Have Driver's Licenses," University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, 2011.12.01].
Hmm... maybe instead of shouting at young drivers, "Get off the phone and drive!" I need to appeal to their greater desires and shout, "Get off the road and talk!"