National Poll Reveals Parent Confidence Often Masks Documented Risky Driving Behaviors Among Teens and Young Adults

Mott Poll finds 96% of parents rate their child as a good driver despite witnessing speeding, texting, and impairment. Expert calls for stricter consequences.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 4:17 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from University of Michigan

The Cognitive Dissonance of Parental Supervision

A nationally representative report from the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital has identified a significant disconnect between parental anxiety and the assessment of individual driving skill. While one in three parents express fear that their child could cause a serious accident, nearly all respondents believe their own teen or young adult drives as well as or better than their peers. This inflated sense of confidence suggests that families may be underestimating risks close to home, even when confronted with evidence of poor habits. Experts involved in the study noted that this gap in perception can prevent families from taking the necessary preventative measures to ensure road safety.

Documented Patterns of Hazardous Behavior

The data, collected from nearly 1,800 parents of drivers aged 16 to 25, reveals that unsafe driving practices are far more common than many families admit. Over half of the participants reported witnessing at least one instance of dangerous behavior, with nearly 50% observing aggressive actions such as speeding or tailgating. Furthermore, one in four parents acknowledged seeing their child engage in distracted driving, which includes texting or multitasking behind the wheel. The study also highlighted that approximately 17% of parents have seen their child drive while impaired, a category that encompasses not only substance use but also driving while exhausted or emotionally distressed.

Age-Related Increases in Distracted Operation

The report found that the frequency of risky behaviors actually appears to increase as young drivers gain more independence. Parents of young adults in the 21 to 25 age bracket were more likely to report distracted or impaired driving than those with younger teenagers. According to Sarah Clark, the Mott Poll Co-Director, even minor distractions like glancing at a mobile device can significantly delay reaction times and elevate the risk of a collision. The findings suggest that the transition from a learner's permit to full independence may lead to a relaxation of safety standards, precisely when the complexity of driving tasks often increases.