Help Stop Distracted Driving of Teens

Distracted driving is the number one killer of American teens. Our teenage drivers (ages 16 to 19) have fatal crashes at four times the rate of other adult drivers. Although alcohol related crashes among teens have dropped, teenage traffic fatalities have remained unchanged, because distracted driving is on the rise.

Deadly Statistics

-In National Young Driver Survey, 20 percent of 11th grade drivers reported at least one crash over the past year, while nearly 3 percent reported two or more crashes.

-Crashes are more common among young drivers than any other age group.

-The fatality rate for drivers ages 16 to 19, is four times higher than for drivers ages 25 to 69.

-The crash fatality rate is highest for 16 to 17 year olds within the first six months after licensure and remains high through age 24.

-Approximately two-thirds of teen passenger deaths (ages 13 to 19) occur when other teenagers are driving.

-In their first year on the road, teens are almost 10 times more likely to be involved in a crash.

-The top three predictors for fatality are non use of restraints, teen drivers and roads with speed limits of 45 mile per hour or higher.

So what can we do to prevent distracted driving, especially with our teens? As parents, we have to become aware and become involved to keep our teens safe.

1. Start a conversation. Talk with teens about the dangers of distracted driving. Focus not only on the dangers of texting and driving but on all distractions. Share that distracted driving is not only from cell phone usage but also any behavior that distracts from driving, like searching for music, engaging in conversation, applying makeup, and even eating. Know the statistics and share them with your teen.

2. Know the law. In Louisiana, it is illegal for a teen driver to use a cell phone for any reason. Driving citations for cell phone usage can affect the full licensures of teens and carry financial penalties. Parents should be aware that in Louisiana, parents can be personally held legally and financially responsible for the property and bodily damages caused to others if their teenager is found to be at fault in an automobile collision.

3. Set clear rules and make sure there are consequences. Studies suggest that cell phone use while driving is 30 percent lower among teens whose parents set clear rules. Teens highly value their cell phones, their keys and their driver's licenses. Let your teen know that if a cell phone is used while driving that the consequences will include loss of cell phone and driving privileges.

4. Limit the number of teenagers in the vehicle. The likelihood of a crash significantly increases with each additional teenage passenger in a vehicle driven by a teen. In Louisiana, it is illegal for a teen driver, during the first year of intermediate licensure, to travel with more than one other non sibling passenger under the age of 21 in the vehicle between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Remember that the more teen passengers in the car, the greater the crash risk.

5. Set a good example. Research shows that parental behavior while driving has a strong influence over teens. Wear your seat belt and avoid using cell phone usage or other distractions while driving. Our children learn by our actions so make sure that you are not giving deadly examples of bad driving behavior.