Teenage Drivers and Distracted Driving: How to Deal with Them

In the modern world, you cannot separate a teenager from their smartphone. Texting and driving is one of the most common reasons for distracted driving accidents in the U.S.

Distracted driving accidents are more common than you’d expect. Some of the reasons for this include phone distraction, applying makeup, and eating while driving.

Unfortunately, teenage drivers are more guilty of doing this than other drivers. So, how do we change these accident rates in the community?

In this article, we’ll explore methods to reduce the accident rate among teenage drivers and provide solutions to encourage the next generation of drivers to prioritize road safety.

Evaluating the Problem

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted drivers contribute to a high number of fatal accidents. The CDC recorded that nine people die every day in the U.S. from crashes involving distracted drivers.

Young adults and teen drivers are more at risk in these accidents. In 2019, more drivers between 15 and 20 years were more distracted than in any other age group.

This indicates the severity of accidents involving teenage drivers in the country. In addition, it highlights the need to address this problem as soon as possible.

How to Control Distracted Driving in Teenagers

There are several methods to help reduce distracted driving accidents among teen drivers. However, these methods don’t involve the drivers.

They require the efforts of everyone in the community to encourage different behaviors among teen drivers.

Here are some proven strategies that can help control the situation:

1. Education Programs

Driver’s education programs do more than help people become better drivers. They also raise awareness about dangers on the road, including distractions while driving.

Many schools and organizations now provide education programs to focus on these dangers. You can enroll your teen in one of these programs to help them learn about the dangers of distracted driving.

The National Safety Council (NSC) has established the “Alive at 25” program to train teenage drivers. This program raises awareness and teaches them the importance of focus.

2. Parental Monitoring

Parents are a crucial part of a child’s life, regardless of their age. Parents can monitor their teenagers to encourage safe driving habits.

Several apps allow parents to monitor driving habits in real-time. These apps can track speed and phone usage and provide opportunities for conversations about safe driving.

3. Implementing Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Laws

GDL laws help to reduce the risk of accidents among young, inexperienced drivers. Gradually introducing such laws can be beneficial for drivers.

These laws limit the number of passengers in a car driven by a novice teen driver. They also prohibit nighttime driving to reduce accidents from distractions.

This is the perfect way to encourage teen drivers to follow safety laws. In recent years, stricter GDL laws have significantly reduced teenage driver car accidents.

4. Technology Solutions

The automobile industry is evolving and using technology to improve safety. Many cars now have built-in hands-free systems to help with phone calls and texting without the need to physically operate the phone.

Some cars also have default driving modes to block calls and texts while the car is moving. Encourage teens to use these car features to reduce distractions.

5. Peer Influence

Peer influence isn’t necessarily negative and doesn’t always result in accidents. You can encourage teens to remind each other to avoid using phones and other distractions while driving. This is the perfect way to mold them into responsible adults.

What Next?

If you’re concerned about a teenage child that you know, you can apply the strategies from this article to help them reduce distracted driving. Consider enrolling your teen in a course and have a conversation with them about the importance of paying attention on the road.

Author Profile

Scott Baber: Senior Managing editor

Manages incoming enquiries and advertising. Based in London and very sporty. Worked news and sports desks in local paper after graduating.

Email Scott@MarkMeets.com