A Different View

My dad has been a police officer my whole life. He drives every day. You can imagine his stories. He has been on countless accidents. Seen some horrific scenes. Some are even people who we know. The ones that always “get him” are stories of accidents involving teens. It hits too close to home. He sees me leave and is immediately worried about others on the road with me. Distracted drivers are his worst fear. Unfortunately, he has seen a lot. He has talked to a lot of teens and parents. My view might be a little different from the conversations we have at our home. I have been warned countless times of the importance of eliminating distractions while driving. Obviously, something needs to be done very quickly. These stories are real, horrible, and also avoidable.

In my opinion, cell phones seem to be the biggest distraction with teens these days. Teens with little driving experience are texting and driving all the time. This is becoming a life-threatening norm. I see it everyday when driving. Police have traffic details just to address and enforce this specific law. The mortality rate should speak for itself. However, that urge to call or read a text while driving is so strong.

I did some research and a few statistics stood out to me “distracted driving is problematic among teen drivers. A 2019 report found that, among U.S. high school students who drove, nearly 40% said they sent a text or email at least once during the month before the survey. (CDC).” Also “Cell phone use behind the wheel reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%.” This does not surprise me. It is a big problem. Sending or reading a text for 5 seconds has been compared to driving with your eyes closed the length of a football field. That comparison alone stuck with me.

So, what can be done differently? I have thought about this many times. It is never a simple answer. However, there are a couple things that stand out in my mind that could make a big difference.

First, I definitely feel that creating more programs to install on Iphones and in cars should be an immediate focus. They need to be promoted. Additionally, parents should insist these programs be installed and monitored. Consequences need to be handed down when these rules are not followed. They have programs now like Life 360 that can monitor where you go and how fast you get there. This should be just as important. I firmly believe offering more programs that can tell if phones are in use while cars are moving should be made immediately! Lists need to be provided to parents and teens. A couple Driver’s Ed paragraphs or videos in class does not cut it. Driver’s ed teachers want teens to get the message, but it need to go further.

Let’s not forget that teenagers, peers and parents are very influential too. In addition to these programs, I think a massive campaign, similar to drunk driving and seat belts, needs to be blasted everywhere. Some catchy and whitty sayings, posters, tick tocks, etc…. to catch kids attention. Have contests and have kids come up with creative ideas. If this has been done, it is not enough. It needs to be loud like other campaigns. Parent presentations, testimonials, pictures, and stories might make this more real. Possibly offering rewards and/or incentives could help too. Parents and peers should embrace and promote this campaign. They are more influential than they know, leading by example is also extremely important. As I type this, I know I am guilty. There have been times I have kept quiet. I know I need to make changes myself and speak up. Changes in these conversations, frequency, exposure and presentation may lead to this information sticking with teens. Maybe it will make some pay closer attention and take this matter seriously.

I think these two areas would be a good place to start with teens today. We have so many outlets to get messages out. Phone Aps, Car aps and Campaigns. These areas need to be a major focus. The stories I hear at home are enough to make me pay attention and want to do better for myself. My view is not one that everyone gets to see/hear….but I think they should. I think it should be often. I think it will make a difference. I think it will save lives. I need to do better too and share the message.