Sixteen states nationwide have some form of serious cell phone banning system in place to protect their residents. Michigan is one of the states with a blanket cell phone ban and one of 47 states with a solid text ban for all drivers. Over 50% of drivers admit to texting while driving and a major study from almost a decade ago when texting and driving was far less common discovered that drivers who text and drive were 23 times more likely to get into an accident than non-texting drivers. This is not a new concern, but it’s one that needs to be continually taught to your teens to ensure they stay safe on the road. Fortunately, there are several simple but effective ways to help keep your teen from causing or being a victim of a distracted driving accident.
Talk to Your Teens
Teenagers are rebellious by nature and like to shut their parents out, but it’s your responsibility to keep them safe and secure. So don’t back down from family discussions, even if eye rolling or attitude begins. Discuss the legal and personal ramifications regarding texting and driving and make them sign a pledge not to do it if necessary.
Shock and Scare
Unintentional injuries from accidents, including car crashes, is the leading cause of teenage deaths nationwide and causes approximately 1.6 million accidents annually. Looking at one text takes five seconds of attention off the road which equates to driving the length of a football field while blindfolded. Don’t sugar coat the truth. In the best-case scenario, texting and driving could make them run off the road, destroy the car, or lose their license. In the worst-scenario, they could die or kill someone else.
Set the Rules, Keep the Consequences
When it comes to dangerous activities such as reckless driving, you must put your foot down to ensure their safety. Tell them what the rules and disciplines are upfront. If they intend on breaking them, let them deal with the fallout and don’t budge. So if the rule is no texting and driving and the consequences are grounding for a month or retraction of all driving privileges for a set period of time, be concrete in your actions. It could save several lives or at least help avoid needing a Michigan distracted driving attorney.
Let Technology Help
Chances are your kids aren’t going to turn off their phones in the car even if they promise they won’t text. A free app such as AT&T DriveMode can be activated on your teen’s phone, controlled by parents or guardians, and set to turn off all text and call functions once the car reaches a certain speed. Opt for an app that alerts you to setting changes and manual overrides to ensure they build the right habits behind the wheel.
Be a Positive Role Model
A nationwide SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) study disclosed that 78% of American teens text and drive and almost 60% have witnessed their parents doing the same. If you want smart and safe kids, you need to act accordingly. In other words, practice what you preach. It’ll go a long way to helping them avoid becoming a victim of a distracted driving accident. But if you still need a Michigan distracted driving attorney, we’re just a call away.
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