As we get past summer and later into the year, it’s time for families to prepare for going back to school! It’s also a good time to talk to your kids and just brush up on a few safety rules. While you’re doing a little shopping before going back to school and preparing to go into the school year again, take the time to speak to speak to your kids who are old enough to drive about driving safety.
Kids who are older are going to be either driving themselves to school or will be driving soon. It’s important to have these talks so that teenagers understand that not only is it risky for them to practice distracted driving, but it’s also risky for other people as well. Not only will junior operators have less experience driving and more likely to crash if there’s a phone in their hand, but they are also at risk of being injured by others while they are looking at their phone.
You can’t expect every person on Earth to never look at their phone. It would be ideal, but does it happen? Even with laws in place that are designed to protect others, people talking on their phones, looking at their phones, playing games or texting on their phones while operating a car is common. It may even be rarer to go a day without seeing someone using a phone while driving than it is to see someone texting or even eating while driving.
However, over a thousand people are injured every year by negligent, distracted drivers. Multiple states have banned texting while driving. Talk to your kids about only going on their cell phone when a passenger in a car (and even then, it’s good to stay alert). Set a good example on this one by doing so yourself!
Tell your kids to stay alert when using a phone. Even when walking or riding as a passenger, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. You can’t always trust a driver, pedestrian, or friend to always be paying attention.
Encourage your kids who are too young to drive to avoid stopping in lots to play games, as this makes them susceptible to kidnapping. Also tell them to never be on the phone and always look twice each way before crossing the road. Reward your kids when they do safe behavior! It’s important to encourage awareness and safe habits in your kids.
For teenagers that are old enough to drive, consider starting them off with a limit on how many people can be in the car. You can start with no passengers and move it up when you feel that they have exhibited safe driving behavior and a responsible attitude. Young drivers are more susceptible to causing and getting into accidents due to having less experience driving on the road than others. They are also up to three times more likely to text while driving than other age groups, according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
If you or someone you know has been in an accident related to distracted driving, you may be able to benefit from a distracted driving accident attorney. Contact The Law Offices of Payas, Payas, and Payas today!
