What teenagers say

Our survey showed that younger drivers were not only more likely to text or use a handheld phone behind the wheel, but they also view them as less of a danger.

Among respondents who are 18 to 29 years old, only 36 percent were very concerned with the problem of distracted driving. Only 30 percent felt it is very dangerous to use a handheld phone, compared with 53 percent of those 30 or older. But a much greater 76 percent felt that texting while driving is very dangerous. Eighty-three percent said they are in favor of laws to curb distracted driving.

In phone and online interviews, we asked teenagers to tell us what they felt could be done to reduce distracted driving. Here is some of their feedback:

• "Make it safe and acceptable to pull over to do such tasks."
• "Stiffer penalties, parents applying consequences for minors, and more education/awareness programs."
• "Adults don't discipline like it's a problem; parents are blind to it. They tell us do not drink and drive, but don't say do not use the phone."
• "I think that apps … that prohibit a user from receiving or sending text messages while traveling over 10 mph are very helpful and should be more widely used."
• "Parents should let us kids have a Bluetooth headset so we wouldn't be tempted to use our phones and take a hand off the steering wheel."
• "I know that my friend texts a lot while she's driving, but whenever I'm in her car, I make her give me the phone and tell me what she wants me to write. …Peer pressure is such a powerful force when you have it in your corner."