Distracted Driving & More

Distracted driving involves any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Distracted driving, alcohol consumption, speeding, and not wearing seat belts are all risky choices that can lead to serious injury and death. Teens, who are still learning the complex skills of driving, are particularly susceptible to distractions while behind the wheel. Don’t let you or your teen become another statistic. Here are some facts from the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• Motor vehicle crashes remain the number one cause of death for adolescents. The greatest lifetime chance of crashing occurs in the first 6 months after licensure. The overwhelming majority of teen crashes are caused by inexperience and distractions. According to NHTSA, 3,522 people were killed in 2021 in distraction-related crashes nationwide, with teens having the highest rate of distracted driving crashes involving a fatality.
• The distractions that have been proven to kill teens are teen passengers and cell phones. Teens’ crash rate increases 44 percent when carrying one passenger younger than 21, doubles when carrying 2 passengers younger than 21, and quadruples when carrying 3 passengers younger than 21 when no older passengers are in the vehicle. Having a passenger age 35 or older cuts a teen’s risk of death by 62 percent and the risk of a police reported crash by 46 percent. https://newsroom.aaa.com/about-aaa/aaa-fact-sheet/
• Driving and texting is 6 times more dangerous than driving while drunk. NHTSA reports that sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. This is equivalent to driving the entire length of a football field at 55 mph while blindfolded. This is not simply a teen problem, 47 percent of adults admit that they text while driving. Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be in a crash than non-texting drivers.

To combat this growing epidemic, we suggest the following:

• Set a good example: Kids observe and learn from their parents. Put your phone down while driving and only use it when you are safely pulled over.
• Talk to your teen: Discuss the risks and responsibilities of driving and the danger of dividing their attention between a phone call and the road. Encourage them to speak up if they are a passenger in a car with a distracted driver.
• Establish ground rules: Set up family rules about not using the phone or other electronic devices while behind the wheel. Enforce the limits set by the graduated licensing program.
• Sign a pledge: Have your teen take action by agreeing to a family contract about wearing safety belts, not speeding, not driving after drinking, and not using a cell phone behind the wheel. Agree on penalties for violating the pledge, including paying for tickets or loss of driving privileges.

Deadly Distractions:

What happens inside the car can be just as dangerous as what happens outside. Engaging in distracting activities while driving can be deadly, especially for young drivers. Ask your teen to list dangerous driving distractions. Their answers should include:

• Using an electronic mobile device for talking, texting, manipulating any app, including GPS, and use of camera or video functions.
• Changing radio stations, CDs, or changing songs on a mobile device
• Passengers, pets, or objects moving in the car
• Eating, drinking, or smoking
• Searching for an item
• Intense or emotional conversations
• Putting on makeup or looking in the mirror

Coach your teen to avoid distracting activities whenever possible, but especially in busy, congested environments. Remind them to focus on keeping as much space as possible around the vehicle at all times.