Keeping Your Teen Safe from the Dangers of Driving with a Cellphone
As a parent, watching your teen get their driver’s license is both an exciting milestone and a source of anxiety. You’re proud of their newfound independence but also deeply concerned about their safety behind the wheel. One of the most pressing issues today is the danger of distracted driving, particularly when it comes to cell phone use. Every year, a significant number of teen-related car accidents are caused by texting and driving, making it crucial for parents to take proactive steps to address this dangerous behavior before it leads to tragic consequences.
At Mintz Law Firm, we understand the challenges and concerns that come with parenting a teen driver. If you’ve been affected by a distracted driving accident, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Let us provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
Understanding the Risks of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a serious safety hazard that affects not only teen drivers but also experienced drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed over 3,300 lives in 2022. The risks of distracted driving are particularly high for teen drivers, who are still developing their skills behind the wheel. Research from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute shows that teens are 2.5 times more likely to engage in distracted driving behaviors if they frequently observe their parents doing so.
Distracted driving can take many forms, including texting while driving, making phone calls, eating, grooming, and interacting with passengers. However, texting while driving is particularly hazardous, as it increases crash risk by up to 23 times. This is because texting requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention, making it a triple threat to safe driving.
To mitigate the risks of distracted driving, parents and caregivers must take an active role in educating teen drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. By understanding the risks of distracted driving, teen drivers can develop good driving habits and reduce their risk of being involved in a car accident.
Creating a Plan For Keeping Your Teen Safe While Driving
Knowing that cellphones present a danger to teen drivers is not enough to keep your child safe. Before handing your teenager the keys to their car, be sure to sit down and discuss texting and the dangers of texting while driving. Although your teen may not want to hear that he or she can’t use a cellphone while driving, it is crucial to understand that even a brief moment of distraction can turn them into a distracted driver.
Colorado law prohibits teen drivers under the age of 18 from using a cellphone in any way (even voice-to-text or calls) unless they are making an emergency call to the police or fire department. Breaking this law could result in your teen losing their license.
Have your teen agree to turn cellphones off or to utilize the “do not disturb” function prior to driving, or consider downloading an app that locks phone functions when the vehicle is in motion. Instruct your teen to pull safely to the side of the road and put the vehicle in park prior to making any calls, punching in directions to Google Maps, or using any other applications. Set hard consequences for any breakage of these safety rules. Being the “mean parent” that revokes cellphone privileges is much better than learning your child was in an accident.
Handing a set of car keys to a new teen driver doesn’t have to be quite as scary or stressful when you’ve done your due diligence to discuss safety concerns and come up with a plan for your kid.
Using Technology to Support Safe Driving
While scrolling on one’s phone isn’t a good practice, there are some types of technology that can support safe driving habits. Smartphone apps, in particular, can help prevent distracted driving by blocking incoming messages or automatically responding to texts when the vehicle is in motion. Examples of apps include “Do Not Disturb While Driving” (iOS), “DriveMode” (Android), “Android Auto” (Android), “LifeSaver” (iOS and Android), and “TrueMotion Family” (iOS and Android).
These apps can be set up to track and monitor driving habits, providing valuable insights for parents and teens. Some apps also offer rewards for safe driving behavior, such as discounts on car insurance or gift cards.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
Seeing your teen earn their driver’s license can be nerve-wracking. One of the biggest risks for young drivers today is distracted driving, especially the temptation to use cellphones behind the wheel. Texting and driving is a leading cause of accidents involving teens, underscoring the importance of addressing this issue early to prevent avoidable tragedies.
At Mintz Law Firm, we recognize the difficulties parents face when dealing with the aftermath of a distracted driving incident. If you or your teen has been impacted by a distracted driving accident, we are here to help you through the legal process and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Don’t hesitate to reach out – call us at (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re here to provide the support and expertise you need.