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