Stopping Teens From Using Their Phones While Driving

Distracted driving has become an epidemic in the Unites States.  With dependency on smartphones increasing daily, the number of teens killed or injured in distracted driving car accidents has risen each year.  A recent survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety said that 94% of teens recognize the dangers of texting while driving, yet 35% admitted to doing so.

What Can Parents Do To Protect Their Teenage Driver?

It is important for parents to discuss this topic with their teenage drivers. Teens who understand the consequences of texting and driving and the danger it presents to themselves and to others are less likely to do it. Modeling responsible driving is also important. If children see their parents using their phone behind the wheel, they are less likely to take them seriously when it is time to discuss how dangerous it really is.

Organizations that focus on increasing teenage safe driving recommend that parents and teens take a pledge to choose safety each and every time they are behind the wheel. Pledging to not text and drive reinforces a commitment to keeping themselves and others safe. There are many resources parents can use to download and print safe-driving pledges that can be signed and posted to serve as a daily reminder to make good driving choices.

While they may demonstrate safe driving in the presence of their parents, many teens text and drive when they are in the car alone. The struggle for parents then becomes finding a way to monitor their teen even when they are not with them. There are several apps that alert parents when their teens are texting while driving. Focus – Screen Free Driving is a free option that launches when you start driving and if you touch your phone, a stern voice warns you to put down your phone and drive. The app tracks how much you use a phone while driving, so parents can see if their teen is habitually unsafe. AT&T DriveMode silences incoming texts and sends an auto-reply letting the sender know that you are driving. The app turns on when the car is in motion and alerts parents if the app is turned off.

Teenagers Can Also Be the Victims of a Distracted Driving Accident

While it is important for your teen to pledge to not text and drive, it is equally important that they understand that not everyone else on the road is going to join them in being careful. Drivers who pledge to practice safe driving may not contribute to the distracted driving epidemic, but they can certainly find themselves as victims of a distracted driving crash. These crashes can have catastrophic consequences, leaving victims to deal with lifetime injuries and trauma. We can help these victims receive the financial compensation they need to recover and return their life to normal.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a crash caused by a driver who irresponsibly chose to put their phone before the safety of others, Thomas Law Offices can help. Our legal team is experienced in helping Kentucky drivers who have been impacted by the distracted driving epidemic of America, and is committed to keeping every Kentucky driver safe. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation of your case.