Young drivers are afraid of many things. They are afraid of snakes, spiders, and death. The number one thing teens used to be afraid of was public speaking, but that has been replaced by a new fear; other drivers. More teens in metropolitan areas are waiting to get their licenses and using public transportation instead. They don’t feel the need to get a car and drive around, but why?

Ford provided a study that gives a little insight of the fears of teens and driving. Generation Z drivers are more afraid of other motorists driving dangerously than death, public speaking, and spiders. Things that teen drivers fear the most include: backing out onto busy streets, maneuvering into tight parking spaces, and monitoring blind spots.

Some of the most worrisome driving situations that survey takers responded were: icy or snowy roads, maneuvering into tight parking spots, backing onto a busy street, monitoring blind spots, and not knowing where they are going. In light of this new data, Ford is working to offer technologies that will help drivers with their most common concerns today. Ford announced that they are moving to migrate driver-assist technologies across the product lineup within the next five years.

Ford feels this feedback is very important because it shows them what they should focus on as far as new technology goes for consumers. When they know what is stressful to drivers, they can help create a solution in their vehicles that will make driving a more enjoyable, less stressful situation. The good news is, Ford already has features like blind spot monitoring and parking assist to help alleviate the concerns of Generation Z consumers.

Ford is committed to listening to their customers and understanding the demands of drivers and knowing what customers want from their vehicles. Ford will continue to use survey data like this to inform how they research and develop their products and technologies. They want to make driving not only enjoyable, but less stressful and safe for consumers.