Modern drivers have grown up with excellent education and information about why drunk driving is dangerous and deadly, so they’re less likely to do so compared to other generations. Conversely, young drivers may not have grown up learning about the dangers of distracted driving, which is why parents need to make it their responsibility to teach their young ones why they shouldn’t do it.
Here are some tips for parents trying to educate their teens not to text and drive:
Be the change you wish to see in the world: Parents can do a lot by setting a good example. Never text and drive when your children are in the car. This way they understand that — not only is it a bad idea and dangerous — but it’s also an activity that mom or dad would never do.
Talk about the dangers: Be open and frank with your teenager and have an actual, serious discussion with your young driver. Your teen needs to understand the following dangers of distracted driving:
- Texting and driving multiplies your chances of a car accident by 23.
- A driver will face serious criminal charges and could go to jail if he or she causes a fatal crash as a result of distracted driving.
- An estimated 25 percent of vehicle crashes happen because of a cellphone.
- Distracted driving causes injuries to about 421,000 people every year.
- Consider sharing real-life stories about teenagers who died or ended up killing others as a result of driving while using a smartphone.
Install the Focus app by TeenDrive on your child’s phone: This app detects when your child is driving and deactivates the phone by putting it into driving mode. It turns off all apps that need the internet to work, and thereby reduces the chances of your child becoming distracted behind the wheel.
Were you or a family member hurt by a distracted driver? Our law firm can help you evaluate your potential claim for damages.
