How To Minimize Teen Distracted Driving
Today’s teenager has grown up with a constant connection to friends and the world via mobile technology. Teens ready to drive today have likely had a phone for years before getting licensed. So, it may be challenging to teach them that a mobile device should be absolutely off limits while behind the wheel.
The Facts on Teen Drivers
Car accidents are the leading cause of death among teens. However, many of these deaths are preventable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 10% of drivers from 15 to 19 years of age who were involved in fatal car crashes were distracted at the time of the accident. In Texas alone, at least one person has been killed in an accident every day for the last 16 years. Many of these teens had been texting or using their phone in some other way at the time of collision.
Distracted-Driving Accidents are Preventable
Hopefully, parents model good driving behavior while in the car with their pre-teens and teens. We might not always be aware of it, but they’re watching what we do, trying to figure out what’s okay and what’s not. If an adult is driving distracted, this doesn’t reinforce safe habits for children who are soaking up their surroundings like a sponge. As technology enters all our lives in more ways than ever, it will be increasingly important to remind our youth of the potential hazards of distracted driving.
Here are some ideas to help your teenager minimize distracted driving:
- Suggest mapping the route before leaving the house.
- Recommend creating music playlists for long drives.
- Model appropriate driving behavior.
- Tell teens to pull over if they need to talk or text, even with you.
- Ask them to sign a pledge that they’ll never drive distracted.
- Share statistics on teen deaths from distracted driving.
- Try a tech solution like a phone-lock app.
- Create your own distracted driving awareness campaign; See our #ArriveAliveTX Distracted Driving Scholarshipfor more information.
Using the LifeSaver App to Save Lives
A phone-lock app like LifeSaver can save your child’s life. Its GPS-enabled technology allows you to lock your teens’ smartphone while they’re driving. Imagine if all drivers were kept from using their phones behind the wheel. Your teen would be significantly less likely to sustain injury or worse, as would passengers and others on the road.
Getting a call to learn that your child has been involved in a car accident — whether as the driver, occupant, or innocent other party — is any parent’s worst nightmare. LifeSaver is a life-saving app that can bring more parents peace of mind, and teach teens responsibility.
Contributed by:
Patterson Law Group: We are committed personal injury attorneys in Fort Worth, TX, on a mission to make our community safer.
