Teenagers who text while driving place themselves, not to mention others, in extreme danger. Those who indulge are responsible for many types of catastrophic collisions.
If they had a better understanding of the risks, young people would be less likely to indulge. Here are some facts surrounding this deadly activity.
Facts about cell phone use in driving teens
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute studies phone usage while driving among teenagers. Their study finds that cell phones decrease driving abilities by a whopping 37%.
Their findings go further. Juveniles who admit to texting while driving are prone to other dangerous driving behaviors. These include not wearing a seat belt and driving under the influence.
Modern phones are about far more than texting. They have an array of features that come with audio and visual alerts. The temptation to respond immediately is often overwhelming.
Reducing cell phone use in driving teens
Besides impressing the above on teenagers, parents can establish rules. This is a smart way of reducing the odds their child causes a motor vehicle accident.
Start by requiring them to finish any call or text before getting in the car. Set the expectation that they hang up before leaving home.
Insist that they get directions to their destination ahead of time. Drivers should never seek such information while in motion.
Finally, mandate that they check with you only after arriving. Stress that staying in touch never trumps the importance of being safe.
It is a public necessity that we lower the number of teenagers who use their phones while driving. As a parent, remember that you can set ground rules to decrease this dangerous behavior.