Older teen drivers (71% of seniors) are more likely to use a phone while driving than younger teen drivers (55% of sophomores), according to a new study by Liberty Mutual Insurance​ and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

Parents may be unknowingly opening the door to this behaviour, as driving consequences taper off for older teens. According to the study, nearly 70% of teens ages 15 and 16 say they would lose their driving privileges if they were to get into a collision, whereas only 55% of teens 18 and older believe they would experience the same consequence.

“It’s natural for teens to gain confidence behind the wheel as they get older and log more driving hours,” said Dr. Gene Beresin, Senior Advisor on Adolescent Psychiatry with SADD. “However, this age group is more likely to test the boundaries as consequences for bad driving behaviors decrease and their freedoms and responsibilities at home increase, making them feel more like adults. As a result, it is even more important for parents and teens to have conversations about safe driving practices to avoid potentially putting themselves and others at risk on the road.”

The study reveals that other dangerous behaviors behind the wheel also become more prevalent as teens rise the ranks. For example, 40% of seniors say they change music via their phone or app, compared with 26% of sophomores. Twice as many seniors admit to speeding (35% vs 18% of sophomores) and driving drowsy (26% vs 13% of sophomores).

“Older teens are still inexperienced drivers – even if they feel otherwise – as they only have one to two years of real-world practice under their belts. That’s why it is important to continue to emphasize the effects and potential consequences of phone use while driving to this age group,” said Mike Sample, lead driving safety expert and technical consultant at Liberty Mutual. “Using an app behind the wheel, even glancing away for a second, can impair your driving ability and set off a chain reaction that could lead to a near miss or crash. Hyper-connected teens must be reminded to always pull over before using their phone. It is just not worth the risk of crashing.”