Texting and driving is very distracting driver behavior, increasing the risk of a fatal accident. This is one of the most difficult behaviors to control, especially in teens. Parents should take care of certain things to ensure the safety of their kids.
- Set a good example. Your teens learn from you so, you should not be texting and driving in the first place.
- Make the rules as a parent. Set family rules about maintaining proper driving behavior. You need to discuss with your teen what will be the consequence if they break the rule you set about driving. Tell them it will be unacceptable absolutely and leave no room for misunderstandings.
- The best way you can control your teen driving is to be passenger in the car and watch their situation handling skills.
- Spend time during your teen’s GDL phase and correct their bad driving habits.
- Your teen must be under the impression that he or she can get a quick peek when stopped at the traffic signal. Make it clear that it is against the law and very unsafe.
- Show your kids videos of those who faced the wrath of texting and driving. Explain to them how dangerous and tragic the consequences could be.
- There are apps for mobiles that lock texting an cell phone use while driving, Use them on your teen’s mobile. There are also apps that permit you to view teen’s mobile activity. If you tell them you will use them and keep a watch on them then they abide by your rules.
- It is obvious that your teen will not leave their phone in the house and go out, so ask them to at least put the phone in the back seat or in the car trunk while they are driving. It is less likely that they will use it if it is unreachable.
- It is a common tendency of a teen to quickly respond to the incoming SMS. However, the truth is whatever it is it can wait. So tell your kids to ask themselves if the message really that important that they need to put their life in risk for it.
- Be strict when your teen breaks the rules you set about driving. Warn them that you will take back their driving privileges if they violate the rules about driving and using cell phone.
Follow these simple rules and keep your teen out of the habit of texting and driving.
