Texting and driving is a serious problem on our roadways – no matter who is doing it. In the five seconds it takes to send a brief text message, you typically travel the length of an entire football field without looking at the road. It's like driving blindfolded.
Nationwide, texting and driving is a growing problem, particularly among teen drivers. Among the various types of behavior that leads to distracted driving, texting proves to be the worst as it causes drivers to take their eyes off the road, hands of the wheel and attention away from the act of driving.
Smart phones have become a big part of lives. It's how we keep track of our contacts, our e-mails, appointments and even the news. These devices have created new behaviors that have unintended consequences. Some experts say that since cell phone use has been so habitual, education and punishment are unlikely to yield the changes necessary among teens. What may work is to help teens cha
nge their behavior.
Here are a few ways in which you can stop your teenager from texting and driving:
• Dialogue: Teens often feel invincible and indestructible. Often, they do not realize the dangers involved in texting and driving. Talk to them about facts and the statistics that underscore the dangers involved. Texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by about 23 times, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Phone Apps: Use technology to fight the problem. Developers have created a number of apps for both Apple and Android devices that help parents discourage their teens from texting while driving. Some of these apps put a lock on the texting function and leave it up to the teens to be responsible drivers. Others let parents control the phone by putting it in airplane mode. That way, even when a text comes in, the phone doesn't beep. The level of parental control varies depending on the app you choose.
• Wearable reminders: Thumb bands or wrist bands with an anti-texting and driving message can help remind your teens about the danger of texting and driving.
• Text-free driving contracts: Driving is a privilege that is earned by following the rules. Parents may make their teens sign a text-free driving pledge to show they've committed to it.
• Positive reinforcement: Parents may also choose to reward their text-free teen driver. This may provide them with added incentive to follow the rules.
• Be a role model: Teens who see their parents text while driving are more likely to repeat the same behavior. Your children will learn from your example. They are likely to pick up your habits and behavior. So, set the right example by putting away your phone when you drive.
If you get involved in a car accident while texting and driving, you may be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused in addition to facing citations or criminal charges. Please do not text and drive. If it is an emergency situation, pull over to the side of the roadway or to a safe location. You may have saved another life or your own.
