Distracted driving leads to 25% of vehicle accidents, 300,000 injuries, and 3,000 teen deaths in the US. Teenagers spend plenty of their time on the phone: either texting or on social media. This can be a problem, especially when they are driving. How do you ensure that they keep their phone away when they are behind the wheels? Consider the following actionable tips:
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Discuss the Current Traffic Laws in your State
Every state has a set of its own traffic rules, but some are common throughout the country. It is unlawful to text while driving in 44 States in America. In some states, it is illegal to hold portable electronics or mobile phones while driving. Using the phone while driving to send or read messages, browse, talk, or view or send photos is unlawful. The offenses attract fines, surcharge, or suspension of the driving license. Since the laws are available, give your teen a set of rules to read, then discuss them to make sure they read and understood them. Do not be afraid to tell your teen about strict regulations, such as revoking a driving license when they commit some traffic mistakes.
Have a Conversation About the Habit
Talking to your teen about using the phone when driving demonstrates that you do not support the habit and that it is a serious matter. Hold the conversation before your teenager starts to drive.
Your child will take the matter more seriously if you also demonstrate by example. If you use the phone while driving, stop the habit. The rules should extend to everyone in the family so that your teen does not feel discriminated against.
Do Not Text or Call your Teenage when they are Driving
Did you know that over 50% of teenagers said that their parents call them the most when driving? The data was shared during the American Psychological Association’s annual meeting. The teenagers said they respond since they know that their parents will be angry at them if they do not respond to their calls or texts.
Consider Text Blocking Apps
Several apps disable texts when a car is moving at a specific speed. The app works in collaboration with your GPS. If you prefer to send an automated message when someone calls or texts you, the apps allow you to customize such settings. Your teen never has to worry about being distracted by the phone while driving. When they reach their destination, they can respond to the person who was texting or calling them.
Agree on the Rules and Consequences for Breaking Rules
Rules set the boundaries during driving. Explain each rule and the expected consequence if the teen does not obey the regulation.
Let the teenager understand that even the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has rules that lead to undesirable consequences such as fines if not observed. Showing the teenager that restrictions apply beyond your home helps them understand that you are looking out for them when you set rules. You can agree that if they are found using the phone while driving, they will not be allowed to drive for some days or weeks.
Reach Out to Their Friends’ Parents
Who do your teenagers hang out with most of the time? Their friends influence their behavior and values. So, if their friends do not see a big deal with texting while driving, your teen will not take your rules seriously.
However, not all parents are open to having such conversations, so approach it with an open mind.
Enroll them in a Driving School
Have you considered registering your teen in a professional driving school? The driving school instructors teach children safe driving skills.
The safety of your teenager while driving affects you. It is your responsibility to guide your teenager to make the best decisions in life. Texting while driving is dangerous, so express your concerns about it. Come up with ways to stop the behavior.