Farmer Cline & Campbell PLLC Injury Lawyers

Free Consults | 866-587-0167

Strong and Caring

How can you prevent your child from distracted driving?

On Behalf of | Oct 20, 2022 | Car Accidents |

Most teens use their phones a lot. So putting them away when driving may be difficult. As parents, you should try to ensure they do, for safety’s sake.

Here are some ways you might do that:

Explain why avoiding distraction is so important

When you were a child, and someone tried to get you to do something, did you ever ask them why? Did they ever reply, “Because I said so”? How did that make you feel?

Telling your child not to use their phone while driving is less effective than helping them understand why it is a problem. Find an angle that will interest them. For example, if they play football, share the statistic that reading a text while driving at 55 mph is similar to driving the length of a football field with their eyes closed. Or, if they are into psychology, share information about how distraction affects the brain.

Have consequences if you catch them using their phone while driving

Your child might tower over you, but you likely still hold some sway over them. Whether you refuse to lend them the car, ground them from social events, or take away their phone, do what it takes to show them that what they did was not acceptable.

Set a good example

You can talk until you are blue in the face about driver distraction. Yet, if your child sees you on your phone while driving, your words will carry much less weight.

Remember, it is not just about avoiding causing a crash. It is about being alert to avoid a collision due to someone else’s negligence.