Talking To Your Teen About Distracted Driving
Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for teens in the United States of America. According to the CDC, in 2020, approximately 227,000 teens were injured, and 2,800 were killed in the U.S. in motor vehicle accidents. According to the CDC, the risk of vehicle accidents is higher among teenagers aged between 16 and 19. One common cause of these accidents is distracted driving. While distractions can adversely affect any driver, they can be especially dangerous for young, inexperienced motorists.
Parents need to talk to their teen drivers about distracted driving. Having this talk can save your child’s life and the lives of other road users. But how do you talk to your teenager about distracted driving? Below, we share some tips for talking to your teen about distracted driving.
- Schedule the Discussion
When talking to your teen driver about distracted driving, ensure the discussion is focused. You know teenagers have “selective hearing.” Avoid having the conversation over dinner, when the TV is on, or when your teen is on their phone. You want to ensure you have your teenager’s full attention. You can, for example, plan to talk in their bedroom or your bedroom after dinner.
- Discuss the Meaning of Distracted Driving and the Types of Distractions
Start the discussion by helping your teen driver understand the meaning of distracted driving. The CDC explains this as engaging in any act that takes away your attention from driving. Help your teen driver understand the three main forms of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive. Explain to your teenager that distracted driving goes beyond texting behind the wheel. More ways your teen could be distracted while driving include;
- Eating or drinking
- Changing the radio
- Putting on makeup or grooming
- Talking to passengers
- Adjusting a navigation system
- Share Statistics
It may be easier for your teen driver to grasp the dangers of distracted driving if you share some statistics. For example, according to the NHTSA, in 2022 alone, over 3,300 people died in distracted driving-related accidents in the United States.
- Set Rules
As a parent, you should set rules for your teenage driver. Examples of rules you could implement include;
- No cell phone while driving
- Having a playlist before starting a trip instead of changing radio stations
- No eating or drinking while driving
- Limiting the number of passengers
- Share Real-Life Stories
You can show your teen recent news stories about distracted driving accidents involving teenage drivers. You can also mention teen friends or family members who have been involved in accidents due to distracted driving. Stories of teenage drivers familiar to your teen who have been involved in accidents due to distracted driving can be a powerful reminder of the importance of staying focused while behind the wheel.
Be a Good Role Model
One of the most effective ways to ensure your teen driver does not engage in distracted driving is leading by example. Avoid distractions, such as texting, eating/drinking, and adjusting the radio, while behind the wheel so your teen driver can follow suit.
Legal Help Is Available
If, despite all your efforts to keep your teen driver safe, they get involved in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, our Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here for you. We can help you seek justice and compensation from the at-fault driver.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Bradenton, Naples, Melbourne, West Palm Beach, and Daytona Beach areas.
Source:
cdc.gov/teen-drivers/risk-factors/index.html
