According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7% of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2020 were teens 15 to 20 years old.* Teens' developing brains make multitasking difficult, and variables like inexperience and peer pressure can further heighten these risks. This is why setting clear expectations and fostering safe driving habits is crucial.
Understanding distracted driving
While texting is a major concern in crash potential, distracted driving encompasses any factor that takes your focus away from the road. It’s not just about texting—it encompasses a wider range of behaviors, including:
Visual
Manual
Cognitive
Visual distractions take your eyes off the road, manual distractions involve taking your hands off the wheel, and cognitive distractions divert your mind away from driving.
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Talking to your teen about distractions
Communication and education are crucial. Make the most of it by:
Regularly engaging them in conversations about the dangers of distractions while driving. Share meaningful statistics and real-life stories to help emphasize the potentially life-altering consequences of an accident.
Setting clear expectations on safe driving behavior. By explicitly stating distracted driving is unacceptable, and supporting that expectation with defensive driving techniques, your teen may begin to understand the seriousness of safe driving.
Leading by example. Show them the importance of staying off the phone while driving, staying laser-focused on the road ahead, and explain why these actions matter. Your positive reinforcement sets the gold standard for safe driving behavior.
Practical steps to help reduce distractions
Once you've had those important conversations, turn your talk into tangible steps:
Use built-in phone safeguards
Most phones have built-in controls that can limit phone use while driving. Check out what your teen's phone offers—such as do not disturb, driving mode, or automatic replies. These tools can be a lifesaver when it comes to restricting texting or phone use behind the wheel.
Enforce a phone-free zone
Encourage everyone in the car to silence their phones and keep them out of reach. Designate a specific spot, whether it's the glove compartment, a backpack, or even a secure locking pouch, to minimize temptation. Discuss ideas with your teen to find the best solution.
Set clear passenger guidelines
Teenagers often feel pressure to entertain their passengers. Establish clear expectations for your teen regarding passenger behavior. This may involve setting limits on loud music, rowdy conversations, or activities that take their attention away from driving.
Encourage situational awareness
Staying focused on the road and being aware of their surroundings is crucial—along with actively watching other drivers and anticipating their moves. On long trips, encourage your teen to take breaks, as fatigue can sneak up and affect their concentration.
Take advantage of technology
Turn on all the safety features newer cars offer like lane departure warnings, blind-spot detection, and automatic emergency braking. These features are like having an extra set of eyes on the road. But remember, the most sophisticated tool for safe driving will always be your own concentration.
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Equipping teen drivers for the real world
Mastering driving basics is just the beginning. Truly preparing your teen for reality on the road is the rest of the story. According to Youth.gov, factors that increase the risk of crashes among teens are:
Risky driving (e.g., fast driving and illegal lane changes)
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
Distracted driving (e.g., eating and adjusting the radio)
Driving with other teens in the car
Hands-on practice
Continue practicing with your young driver, exposing them to various road conditions and scenarios in a controlled setting. By providing continued hands-on guidance, you can cultivate essential driving skills in your teen, boosting their confidence while allowing you to observe and address potential distractions.
Virtual reality training
Virtual reality (VR) can significantly enhance teen driver safety by providing immersive training experiences. VR simulations allow teens to practice driving in realistic scenarios, such as heavy traffic, unexpected obstacles, and adverse weather conditions, helping them develop the skills and reflexes they need to be a confident driver in the real world.
Working together for safer roads
As a parent, you play a crucial role in keeping your teen safe on the road. Taking proactive steps to implement effective distraction prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce their risk of accidents. Dairyland®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, can help support you as your teen driver begins to drive. Visit our website anytime for resources on driving safely. With clear communication and these helpful resources, you've got this!
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*Data accuracy is subject to this article's publication date.