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February 15, 2016

Finding Ways to Break the Habit of Texting and Driving

texting_ttiWho hasn’t heard that texting and driving don’t mix? Certainly, by now, we all know that it’s a dangerous distraction. So, why are we still doing it? Isn’t that the question of the decade!

Why is it dangerous?

We know that texting is a quadruple threat for teens because it takes at least one hand off the wheel, eyes off the road (even for a second), your mind off of the task of driving, and teens are already at a disadvantage because they are inexperienced (no getting around that!).

An approach to safe roads

What does it take to break a habit that many teens have had for years – texting – when they start driving? With any driving law, we strive for a 2-prong approach: education and enforcement. Let people know it’s against the law and if they persist, ticket them. For many, this works but others have a harder time.

Helping each other

What else can we do? We at TDS believe friends can also encourage each other to break the texting habit. Here’s some tips:

  • Don’t let someone off the hook for driving distracted. Nag them until they can’t listen to you any longer and stop doing it just to make you hush.
  • Let them know you care about them
  • Put down your own law – if you’re in the car, cell phones are put away
  • Be the designated texter
  • Don’t text or call someone when you know they are driving
  • Reward yourself or someone else for playing it safe. Cookies and kudos for no texting!
  • Live by example. You can’t say don’t, then do it yourself.
  • Practice self-restraint knowing it makes you a stronger person

What are some ways you’ve kicked the habit? How have you encouraged friends? We want to know!

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Article by Stacey Tisdale / Distraction, News / distracted driving, distractions, education, peer-to-peer, Zero Crazy 3 Comments

Comments

  1. Jeannette says

    March 31, 2016 at 10:35 am

    Well since I am too young to drive still, but when my mom is driving I answer her phone calls or text.
    Sam Rayburn High School

    Reply
  2. Emily Aguirre says

    March 31, 2016 at 10:31 am

    If a teen has an emergency phone call or text they can simply pull over to the side of the road or wait till they get to their destination._

    Sam Rayburn High School

    Reply
  3. Bailey says

    March 10, 2016 at 10:21 am

    Maybe teens should turn their phones off before the start driving.
    Pepperell High School

    Reply

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