As a mother of two teen daughters, one of whom just turned 18 and has been a licensed driver for 2 years, I am constantly trying to stay connected to them when they are out of the home. The best way for me to stay connected to them is, of course, through their cell phone. We are a texting family. Texting is just easier to do and it is, of course, the teenagers top choice for communication. The days of picking up and phone and dialing a number seem somewhat obsolete, especially if you are a part of Generation iY. We do have a rule in our house, though, regarding texting and driving. It is an absolute "NO". Any wavering from this rule is a possible punishment of taking the car away. As a parent, I expect my daughter to stay connected when she is out and we have an understanding that if I text and she is driving, she is to wait until the car is stopped before she responds to my text. Staying connected to her is important, but staying connected to her while she is driving could lead to a fatal connection and this is not a risk I am willing to take.
The statistics regarding teen crashes are staggering. Drivers younger than 20 had the highest distracted-driving fatality rate among all age groups last year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Drivers 20 to 29 ranked second.
The administration said that 5,870 people died and about 515,000 were injured last year in accidents attributed to distracted driving. Texting while driving, aka TWD, has now become in my opinion, as dangerous as drinking and driving. A recent survey by Pew Internet and American Life Project found the following startling statistics regarding teens and texting:
- 75% of all American teens ages 12-17 own a cell phone, and 66% use their phones to send or receive text messages.
- Older teens are more likely than younger teens to have cell phones and use text messaging; 82% of teens ages 16-17 have a cell phone and 76% of that cohort are cell texters.
- One in three (34%) texting teens ages 16-17 say they have texted while driving. That translates into 26% of all American teens ages 16-17.
- Half (52%) of cell-owning teens ages 16-17 say they have talked on a cell phone while driving. That translates into 43% of all American teens ages 16-17.
- 48% of all teens ages 12-17 say they have been in a car when the driver was texting.
- 40% say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put themselves or others in danger
- Boys and girls are equally likely to report texting behind the wheel; 34% of each group say they have used text messaging while driving.
Amanda Lenhart, co-author of the report, claims that teens are well aware of the risks associated with texting while driving, “But the desire to stay connected is so strong for teens and their parents that safety sometimes takes a backseat to staying in touch with friends and family.”
How can we, as parents, stay connected to our kids without taking a backseat to their safety? Below are a few suggestions that may help.
1. Be An Example: 81 percent of U.S. residents said they have used their cellphone while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration If you expect your kids to not text while driving, then you, as a parent, must set the example and put the phone down while you are behind the wheel. You are their role model and as such should set the standard.
2. Be Accountable: Set texting boundaries with your teen. Come up with a plan so that you are both on the same page regarding texting limits. Follow through with this plan. If you are trying to get in touch with your child and do not receive an immediate response, be patient and give them time to reach a stopping place while they are driving so they may safely text you back
3. Be Tech Savy: Keep track of the cell phone texting times via the phone bill so that you will be aware if your teen is texting with friends while driving. Consider new technology solutions that limit texting availability on phones.
- Handsfree Devices
- Text Blockers
- Smart Limits for phones via ATT Click here for more information:
4. Be Proactive: Get connected and familiar to the laws in your state regarding texting. Consider becoming more active in your community to encourage other teens and parents, as well as lawmakers. Lobby for stricter state laws. Your state may not have laws against texting and driving, but it is up to you as their parent to set the boundaries for your teens. You have been given these precious gifts from God and in the end, it is up to you, the parent, to set the rules of cell phone use for your teen. Click to learn more about texting in your state .
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