Take one glimpse at teen driving statistics and it's clear: the real culprit facing today's teens behind the wheel is distracted driving. Regardless of whether it's a cell phone, iPod, or BlackBerry, in the last 10 years teens have become more connected - yet also more distracted - than ever before. Every day, attempts of tech-savvy teens trying to talk, text, or even e-mail while driving prove to be deadly. In fact, in 2008, there were nearly 5800 deaths and 515,000 injuries caused by distracted driving. It's clear, there is no such thing as TOO MUCH teen safety when behind the wheel of a car!
I've got a 16-year-old of my own, just itching to get his driver's license, so it's especially appropriate for me to share these quick tips for teens on how to avoid distraction behind the wheel from www.thinkbeforeyoudrive.org.
- * "Would you do it in the shower?" Ask yourself this question every time you start an activity behind the wheel. Would you eat, text, talk on the phone, or change a CD in the shower? Then you probably shouldn't be doing it behind the wheel either, right?!
- * Know Point B. You should have a good idea of how to get to your destination before revving up the engine. There's nothing more distracting than trying to follow directions when you're driving down the freeway. Make sure to check weather and road conditions as well.
- * Manage your time so that you do not have to multi-task or drive aggressively on the road.
- * Long day at school and practice? Looking forward to unwinding on the ride home? Sorry, driving isn't "down time." Stay focused on the road and once you get home set aside 20 minutes to eat a snack, sit down and relax.
- * You know when your coach tells you to anticipate your opponent's next move during a game? Well, you should do the same on the road. Be prepared for sudden stops, lane changes and uh oh, distracted drivers.
- * Save your concentration for the road, not a conversation. The road is not the place to have a serious conversation with your passengers. Check your emotions at the door as well.
- * If it's that important, you can text...just pull to the side of the road. We can assure you that your parents and friends won't get mad if you call them back once you have safely pulled off to the side.
- * And this is a given -- wear your seatbelt every time you get in a vehicle.
Regardless of whether you're a parent or a teen driver, be sure to spend some time at the www.thinkbeforeyoudrive.org website. Sponsored by Bridgestone Tires, this teen-focused Website offers fun driving games, informative videos on driving and safety, and a topical blog written for and by teens. There's even a "Road Test" driving quiz that offers entrants a chance to win a $100 gas card!
By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty.com Editor
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