Today’s drivers are prone to distractions – from changing the radio station to texting on the road. Engaging in any type of distraction can take visual, manual and cognitive abilities from the road ahead – and put everyone at risk of a serious accident. Distracted driving has become so regular that it is one of the leading causes for accidents and traffic-related deaths in the United States.
Drivers under the age of 21 are especially vulnerable to distracted driving incidents. Parents of teen drivers can be proactive and reduce the likelihood their teen will engage in distracted driving just by teaching them how to avoid distractions.
What To Do
Parents should teach their teen drivers the dos and don’ts of distracted driving. Some things they should encourage their teen drivers to do include:
- Disabling phone before starting to drive. Whether that means turning it to silent or using an app that prohibits any texts or calls from coming through, parents should teach their teens to keep it out of sight and out of mind.
- Not allowing passengers in the car to receive text messages or talk on the phone. Even if they are not driving, discussing messages or listening to their phone conversation can distract the driver.
- Always pull over to make phone calls or send text messages. Your teen should know that they should pull over to a safe location before making a phone call or texting – and they should only do so in an emergency. After all, everything else can wait until they arrive at their destination.
- Teach your teen to never tolerate anyone putting their life at risk. Therefore, they should not drive with anyone that will drive distracted.
- Let your teen know that driving is a privilege, not a right, and they can lose their ability to drive if they engage in distracted driving.
Lastly, remember you should lead by example. If you do not want your teen to be distracted behind the wheel, do not let them see you engage in common distractions, which include:
- Talking or texting while driving
- Changing the radio station or adjusting the navigation while driving
- Eating or drinking while driving
It is important to realize that distracted driving is not just a teen problem. Most American adults have a cellphone, which means adults of all ages are at risk for distracted driving too.
Injured by a Distracted Driver? Contact a Missouri Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident with a distracted driver, contact attorney Douglas R. Horn today. We can assess your case and tell you if you may be entitled to compensation for your injury and losses. Do not hesitate. Contact us online to get started with a no obligation case evaluation.
