Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is not unique to younger drivers.  Drivers of any age can, and are driving while distracted.  Ten of the most common causes distracted driving are:

1.       Talking on the phone

2.       Texting or using apps on phone

3.       Talking with passengers in the vehicle

4.       Animals in the car

5.       Adjusting the radio or climate controls

6.       Adjusting car controls (seats, windows, mirrors)

7.       Reaching for objects

8.       Outside, or rubbernecking distractions

9.       Eating or drinking

10.   Smoking

Let’s narrow this down to teen drivers.  While teens are subject to all of the above listed distractions (my friends could certainly be described as “animals in the car”), I would like to focus on three of the distractions teens face most.  They are 1) talking on the phone, 2) texting or using apps on the phone, and 3) talking with passengers in the vehicle.

Talking on the phone – We all know that talking on the phone while driving is dangerous.  In fact, many states have enacted laws to prevent this dangerous behavior. Yet, many of us still do it.  Some drivers use a hands-free device to talk on their cell phone thinking that this device enables them to talk and drive safely.  However, studies have shown that driving while talking on a hands-free phone can be just as distracting as talking on a hand-held cell phone.  Researchers found that talking creates competition for brain processing capacity.  This results in drivers missing road hazards, signals, or signs that they might have otherwise spotted.

Texting or using apps on the phone – Texting or checking an app on a phone takes your eyes off of the road.  Teens aren’t only texting and driving.  Snapchat, social media, email, and surfing the web are all becoming significant distractions.  Many drivers think they are safe to quickly check something on their phone, but they are wrong.  In fact, they might be dead wrong.  A car travels 80 feet per second while driving at 55 MPH.  You could travel the entire length of a football field while “quickly” checking your phone.  A lot of hazards, road signs, obstacles, and even pedestrians can be encountered in the length of this imaginary football field.

Talking with passengers in the vehicle – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, a teen driver is two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in a risky behavior when driving with one peer compared to driving alone.  These risky behaviors include speeding, following too closely, failure to yield, weaving, erratic driving, risky maneuver, goofing and showing off, and racing.

I know that I am guilty of all of these.  Most of my friends are guilty too.  So, what can we do to reduce these distractions?  We can change dangerous driving behaviors through awareness and education. 

Communication can do wonders.  One of the easiest and often most effective ways to shape teen behavior is through talking to them.  Parents, schools, and communities can engage in conversations about safe driving.  Psychologists suggest that teen drivers are less likely to text or use the phone if their parents, or another adult, discuss the risks of distracted driving with them. 

Educate teen drivers about the statistics.  Sharing the facts with teens will help them understand the dangers of cell phone use in the car.  Let them know that texting while driving is six times more likely to cause a car accident than drunk driving; nearly 5,000 people per year die in car crashes caused by cell phone use; and that 14% of fatal car crashes involve the use of cell phones while driving.  

Set an example.  Teens copy the behaviors of adults in their life.  Specifically, teen driving habits are often picked up from their parents or those they drive with the most.  One study reported that 48% of kids aged 12-17 have been in a car when the driver was texting.  Meaning, nearly half of teens are likely to see texting and driving as acceptable because their role model does it.  Adults should be mindful to not engage in distracting behaviors, particularly in front of their children.  

Personally, I can be an example to my peers by putting my phone down while driving.  No text, chat, or picture is so important that it can’t wait until later.  It is not enough to simply say that I won’t text and drive.  I will commit to putting my phone in the backseat, out of reach.  Also, I will turn the phone on silent.  This will help avoid the temptation and make it harder to reach the phone.

Today’s teens are more tech-savvy than ever. With proper education, guidance, and examples, we can also be safe drivers.