How to Stop Teens from Texting and Driving
Distracted driving killed more than 3,100 people in the last year alone on America's roadways. Many more were injured or had their vehicles damaged severely. A large percentage of this serious issue involves using cell phones while behind the wheel of the car. Texting and driving is a serious problem that needs to stop immediately to maximize safety for everyone on the road.
As the parent of a teenager, convincing them to put down the phone may seem like a monumental task. Even when you learn how to stop teens from texting and driving, it may not mean full compliance with the rules. Impress upon them the risks involved and the serious potential consequences of their bad decisions.
Remind Them of the Law
Using a phone for any reason while you are operating a motor vehicle is illegal in many states. In some places, hands-free devices are allowed, but this does not extend to texting obviously. Tell your teens that texting and driving is against the law and that it carries serious penalties. Make sure they understand that any tickets or insurance charges are their sole responsibility and that they will lose privileges if they are caught.
Make Sure They Understand the Consequences
Quoting statistics about distracted driving deaths and injuries may not bring the point home clearly enough for teens who believe they are invincible. Search for "scared straight" videos that clearly show how easy it is to get in an accident while texting. You can also find presentations from teens whose lives were changed in horrific ways due to their inattention.
Give a Demonstration of the Risk
The next time you are driving in the car with your teenager in the passenger seat, tell them to text someone with their phone. Make a note of where you are on the road and the traffic conditions when they start, and point out how far you have gone and how many other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles you dealt with during that time. You could travel the length of a football field and pass multiple cars, driveways, and potential danger spots in just a few seconds.
Use Technology to Block Phone Use in the Car
Apps exist that block the phone service entirely when it is moving at a high rate of speed. This is an unbelievably helpful way to stop texting and driving completely because the messaging app simply will not function. Add in an automatic response app that informs a person who texts them that they are driving and cannot answer yet, and you have an excellent alternative to risky behavior.
For the safety of everyone on the road, parents must convince teens to give up texting and driving for good. Remember, one of the best ways to teach your teens responsibility behind the wheel is to always demonstrate the highest quality behavior yourself. No one's life or property is worth sending messages to a friend when behind the wheel of a car. Everyone must work together and take responsibility for lowering the horrible statistics on death, injury, and damaged vehicles and other property.
