Distracted driving is a serious danger on today’s roads. In many cases, it’s a teen driving, and the distraction is a cell phone. Texting while driving seriously impairs a driver’s ability to respond to road conditions, so it’s important to avoid it. But how can you encourage your teens to ignore the electronics when they’re in the driver’s seat?

Here are a few tips for teaching responsible teen driving:

Phones Off in the Car

Some basic ground rules are a good place to start. Try having your teen turn off their phone before they put the keys in the ignition and only turning it back on when the car is off. This will require a little flexibility on your part since you won’t be able to call them while they’re in the car—but their safety is worth it.

Risk Education

In 2015, distracted driving was a factor in 3,477 car accident deaths and 391,000 injuries. Your kids are likely to cover these statistics in driver’s training, but it’s a good idea to follow up once their driving instructor is done and make sure the information has sunk in. There is a measurable difference in driving ability when distracted, similar to being drunk.

Safe Alternatives

The safest option is to wait to use the phone until the drive is over. If your teen really must make a call or send a text, teach them to pull off to the side of the road to do it. Hands-free texting is not a safe option because it impairs response times almost as much as normal texting.

Apps & Tech

There are several smartphone apps that will prevent texts from being sent while driving. There is also technology for your car that can disable phones inside it. While none of these options are foolproof, they can be a good reminder for your teen.

Set an Example

The most important way to teach your teen to stay off their phone in the car is to apply these rules to yourself. It is just as unsafe for you to text and drive as it is for them. Consistently show them the right way to handle the situation, and they’re more likely to take it to heart.

Sure-Drive Driver’s Training provides driving lessons to students of all ages in Ft Mitchell, KY. Their courses are designed to be fun and engaging, creating a low-stress environment that is ideal for learning a new skill. Whether you need classes yourself, or you’re looking for teen driving resources for your child, Sure-Drive Driver’s Training is the way to go. For questions, call (859) 331-0007 or get in touch online.