Teen drivers are among the most at-risk groups on the road today. Drivers aged 16-19 are 3 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers 20 and older, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Distracted driving plays a major role in these alarming statistics.
As parents, schools, and communities in Ohio, we must take action to better educate and empower our teens to drive safely and attentively. By implementing driving safety programs, modeling good behavior, utilizing technology, and teaching coping strategies, we can help protect our teenage drivers.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving for Teens
What classifies as distracted driving? Anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the road, including:
- Texting or talking on a cell phone
- Adjusting the radio, GPS, or other devices
- Eating, drinking, or grooming
- Interacting with passengers
- Daydreaming or being otherwise lost in thought
For teens, cell phones play an especially large role in distracted driving crashes. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, since 2017, over 69,000 distracted driving crashes have occurred in Ohio. Of those, around half involve cell phone use.
Teens are more susceptible to distracted driving for several key reasons:
- Lack of driving experience – Teen drivers simply have not built the instincts and reflexes needed to drive safely. Distractions magnify the risks.
- Overconfidence – Many teens tend to overestimate their driving abilities. They may not perceive distracted driving as risky.
- Peer pressure – Teens often transport friends, which can lead to conversations, loud music, and other distractions.
- Still-developing brains – Teen brains are still forming connections and the ability to multitask. They are physiologically more prone to distractions.
Implementing Distracted Driving Education Programs
To protect teens from distracted driving, Ohio schools and communities should implement driver’s education programs focused on the dangers and legal consequences. Key components of these programs can include:
- Simulated distracted driving – Allow teens to test skills using simulation goggles or devices giving the altered perception of texting while driving. This creates an impactful, first-hand experience.
- Data and statistics – Share local crash and fatality rates related to distracted driving. Put teen-specific data in perspective.
- Distracted driving laws – Educate teens thoroughly on Ohio’s laws, including the statewide texting ban for all drivers and the graduated driver’s license restrictions.
- Guest speakers – Bring in speakers such as police, first responders, victims, or convicts who can share powerful, personal stories on how distracted driving destroys lives.
- Pledge signing – Have teens pledge to drive phone-free and distraction-free. Pledge posters can be displayed at schools.
- Parent information sessions – Hold sessions to educate parents on monitoring and modeling good behavior. Provide take-home resources.
- Incorporation into health classes – Integrate distracted driving education into health and safety curriculum at schools.
Proven preventative programs such as ArriveAlive and FocusDriven can provide resources to bring impactful education to teens. By law, Ohio requires distracted driving education in driver’s training courses. However, a multifaceted approach is best for awareness and engagement.
Modeling Safe Behavior as Parents
Parents serve as the primary role models for teen driving habits. To encourage phone-free driving, parents should:
- Commit to never calling or texting their teen while driving. Lead by example.
- Set clear rules against phone use behind the wheel before licensure. Strictly enforce these rules.
- Use apps for family monitoring and limits on phones while driving. Apps like LifeSaver, DriveSafe Mode, AT&T DriveMode, and others can restrict distracting features.
- Establish and consistently apply consequences for breaking phone-use rules. This teaches teens accountability.
- Have regular conversations about safe driving skills and attitudes, including the dangers of distractions. Maintain an open dialogue.
- Conduct driving practice sessions with teens. Provide real-time feedback on maintaining focus.
- Share personal stories, news stories, or social media posts about the impacts of distracted driving. These reinforce why it matters.
Parents play a key role in preventing distracted driving, starting with their own example. Consistent modeling and messaging teaches teens defensive driving habits that can stay with them for life.
Utilizing Technology to Prevent Distracted Driving
Beyond education and modeling, parents can employ technology to prevent distraction in cars by:
- Installing driving monitoring devices – Devices can detect when the car is moving and disable phone features. Many providers integrate with parent apps for alerts and control.
- Activating phone settings – Phones have built-in settings like Do Not Disturb While Driving to limit notifications and the ability to use apps when driving. These can be mandated by parents.
- Using app-based monitoring – Apps like Life360, Drive Safe Mode, SignalParent, or AT&T DriveMode allow parents management over teen phone restrictions based on driving conditions.
- Employing Social Media – Leverage teens’ connection to social media for good. Have them take and share a safe driving pledge online or follow teen safe driving groups.
The right technology can provide vital tools for parents to intercept and deter distracted driving. It also promotes open conversation about limits, rules, and safe habits. The combination empowers teens to make responsible choices.
Teaching Coping Strategies to Prevent Distracted Driving
Even armed with education and technology, teens will inevitably face pressures to drive distracted. To prepare them, parents and driving instructors can teach essential coping strategies:
- Identify conditions and triggers – Have teens reflect on when they feel the urge to drive distracted. Is it friends in the car? Boring stretches? List triggers and scenarios.
- Create an opt-out plan – Come up with alternative actions when the urge to drive distracted hits. Ideas include pulling over, turning up music, calling parents hands-free, chewing gum, or singing.
- Practice refusal skills – Role play saying no to peer pressure. Help teens find ways to assertively refuse distracting behavior from others while driving.
- Promote speaking up – Encourage teens to speak up as passengers if the driver uses a phone. Make it clear this isn’t tattling but lifesaving.
- Focus on driving – When behind the wheel alone, teens should pre-set music and podcasts and remove any other potential mental distractions like worries or stresses.
- Take breaks – Teach teens to take periodic breaks to eat, text, switch drivers or reset their focus. A moment prevents a crash.
Giving teens refusal skills and alternatives empowers them to take control when facing distractions. Parents can reinforce that avoiding distractions is a mark of skill and maturity, not weakness.
Protecting Teen Drivers in Ohio
Ohio’s teen drivers will continue to be at high risk on the roadways unless strong, collective action is taken to address distracted driving. As parents, schools, legislators, and communities, we must utilize all available means to build awareness, shape attitudes, and equip teens with knowledge and skills to drive phone-free.
Comprehensive education programs, engaged parenting, leveraging technology and teaching coping strategies provide a powerful, multilayered approach to developing smart, focused teen drivers. Through consistent efforts, we can pave the way for teens to build safe habits that last a lifetime.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver in Ohio, contact the experienced Cincinnati auto accident attorneys at Monge & Associates for a free consultation by calling (888) 477-0597. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, our team has a proven track record of holding negligent drivers accountable and recovering damages for clients. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve.