Today, just about everyone has a smartphone, and at any given moment, their attention may be on the device. Unfortunately, the use of smartphones while driving has led to several sobering statistics.
Smartphone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year.
One in four car accidents is caused by texting while driving, in the United States.
Texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drunk- driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 650,000 drivers use their electronic devices while driving.
Smartphone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year.
One in four car accidents is caused by texting while driving, in the United States.
Texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drunk- driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 650,000 drivers use their electronic devices while driving.
Teens, Smartphones, and Driving
The problem is especially serious for teen drivers. Even when young drivers are aware of the dangers of driving while using their phones, 35 percent admit to driving and texting anyway. One-fifth of teen drivers, who were involved in fatal accidents, were distracted by cell phones, and teen drivers are four times more likely to get into a crash because of talking or texting on their phones than adults.
Legal Solutions
In response to the rising numbers of accidents caused by distracted driving, many states have passed strict laws regarding the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. Several states have gone so far as to ban teen drivers from using a cellphone at all. These laws may be effective regarding adult texting and driving habits, but studies show that the laws haven’t impacted teens much.
Community Efforts
Many communities have taken additional steps to increase teen safety while on their road. Threatening teens with tickets haven’t been effective, so many states are using graduated licensing laws. During the learner stage, drivers must be supervised by a licensed adult. During the intermediate stage, nighttime restrictions and passenger limits are enforced. Finally, the full-privilege, the unrestricted stage doesn’t happen until drivers reach 19 years old.
Parent Involvement
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development provides a driver education program that enlists the participation of both parents and teens with written agreements and consistent checkpoints. Parental involvement is a key factor in successfully keeping teens off their phones while driving. What do the most successful parents do?
They stay off their own phones while driving.
They don’t call while their teens are driving, and if they do call, they ask whether the teen is driving and then ask the teen to call them back.
Some parents use a text blocker. There are many free apps that lock phones when driving speeds are over 15 mph.
Additionally, parents consistently monitor and discuss safe driving rules with their teen drivers.
Emerging Technology
Finally, car manufacturers have also made changes that combat the rise of automobile crashes related to distracted driving. Smartphone integration is one example of emerging technology that improves safe driving. This technology frees up drivers’ hands and makes use of voice-activated controls, so teen drivers can still get directions to their destination without taking their hands off the wheel.
There are a lot of great reasons to embrace smartphone use. They make it possible to connect with friends and family members, no matter how far apart they are. With the right habits in place, teen drivers can enjoy the use of their phones without sacrificing their safety.