Distracted Driving And Your Teen: What You Need To Know
It’s easy to develop a false sense of comfort as you become a more capable driver. For most people, it takes a certain learning experience to realize the true risk of being on the road, as well as the responsibility it holds. This is especially true for teenagers, as they are yet to learn the consequences of making a mistake while driving.
But it’s no secret that even the most minor misstep can cause an accident that costs the driver, their passengers and others who were involved a great deal of financial trouble, not to mention serious injuries or even worse. One major cause of vehicle accidents among both teenagers and adults is distracted driving.
According to the U.S Department of Transportation, an alarming 1,000 people in the U.S. are injured in accidents involving a distracted driver every day - nine of whom are killed. Distracted driving is a very real issue and taking the initiative to ensure that your teen doesn’t become a victim is a wise decision.
Parents and Distracted Driving
It’s commonly assumed that teenagers are the biggest culprits when it comes to distracted driving, partly because they’re envisioned as having a stronger attachment to their smartphones. The statistics seem to agree, as this survey shows that 24.7% of respondents saw a friend texting and driving who was under 18.
Among 18 to 24-year-olds, the number drops to 20.5% before lowering to 5.4% among 25 to 34-year-olds. Drivers aged between 35 and 44 were seen texting and driving 6.2% of the time. However, parents don’t always set a good example, with 52.3% of minors having witnessed one of their parents texting and driving.
Causes
Of course, not committing the very act you’re discouraging should be the first step. It also pays to know what counts as distracted driving, as the answer is more than just being on the phone. Eating, grooming (putting on makeup, combing hair), partying in the car and reading directions are also major distractions.
In fact, the top reason for distracted driving accidents among teens isn’t even smartphones. It’s actually due to passengers. In other words, it’s important to allow the driver to focus on the road and not do anything that prompts them to look away or otherwise bring their attention elsewhere.
The Cost
Many motorists are all too familiar with the costs of being in a car accident. It’s a good idea to ensure that your teen is aware of the implications, including the wellbeing of those involved and the financial burden of a damaged vehicle.
There’s also the impact distracted driving can have on your car insurance rates. This includes receiving traffic violations due to being distracted, as well as the premium increases that come with being in an accident.
If you've been charged with a traffic violation, you may be wondering if you need to hire a traffic violation lawyer. The answer to this question depends on the severity of the charge and the circumstances surrounding the incident. For example, if you were charged with speeding in a school zone or construction zone, you may want to consider hiring an attorney.
What You Can Do
Parents should let their teens know that distracted driving is a major cause of many accidents on the road, as it’s likely to be more prevalent than they think. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 2,433 teens aged between 16 and 19 killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2016.
In the same year, 292,742 teens were treated in emergency departments for injuries suffered in car accidents. You can also make sure your teen to drive as safe of a car as possible. Modern vehicles have built-in hands-free and GPS systems to reduce the need to draw the driver’s attention from the road.
Conclusion
Finally, speak to your insurance company about installing a telematics device into your teen’s car that tracks their driving habits. If your teen knows about it, they’ll be less likely to drive recklessly. Taking the above into consideration will help you ensure that your teen is safe on the road at all times.