Texting While Driving: How To Keep Your Teens Safe

Sep 29, 2015 | Auto Accidents

With school in session, many teen drivers will be on the road driving to school and activities and to meet with friends. If you’re a parent of a teenager, you probably have a lot of concerns about your teen while they’re on the road.

When it comes to texting while driving, these fears are, unfortunately, well founded. 34% of American teens aged 16-17 admit that they have texted while driving. 52% say they have talked on the phone while driving. And many teens don’t think it’s a problem, with 77% believing they can safely text and drive.

You won’t be surprised to learn that this confidence is misplaced. Texting while driving increases the driver’s chances of an accident by 23 times. In contrast, other distracted driving behaviors such as dialing a cellphone or reaching for the device increase chances of an accident by 1 to 3 times. Obviously, any increased risk is undesirable, but the difference between texting and other activities is staggering.

So what can you do to make sure your teens stay safe?

Talk To Them About the Law

Traffic laws about cellphones vary from state to state. In Virginia, texting while driving is illegal for drivers of any age. Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using cellphones at all while behind the wheel. Texting while driving is considered a primary offense, meaning an officer can pull you over if they suspect you are texting while driving. The punishment is a fine of up to $250 per offense.

Set a Good Example

Teens aren’t the only ones guilty of texting while driving. 33% of American drivers ages 18 to 64 admit they have texted while driving. It’s important to lead by example. If you tell your kids not to text and drive, but they see you doing it, they are likely to think it’s not that big of a deal. When you text and drive your eyes are off the road for a minimum of 5 seconds. At 55 miles per hour that’s the equivalent of driving the length of a football field blindfolded. Even seasoned drivers shouldn’t be taking a risk like that.

Be Clear About the Rules

Don’t underestimate the power of laying down the law in simple terms. The FCC suggests the phrase, “on the road, off the phone” as a simple, clear message. The dangers of texting while driving are well documented. Talk to your teens before they start driving and regularly once they are out on the road. Stress that even a moment of distraction from the road can be dangerous or deadly.

Take a Pledge

If just talking to your teens isn’t enough, you can take a pledge like AT&T’s It Can Wait pledge. A commitment like this, shared with all drivers in the family, can serve as an extra reminder when a teen might be tempted to give in and check a text “just this once.” AT&T also has an app to help keep drivers from being distracted.

Involved in a collision with a driver that was texting? Contact a Richmond injury attorney from Geoff McDonald & Associates at (866) 369-9051.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    Who May Be Liable for Truck Accident Damages?

    Determining liability for truck accidents in Virginia can be challenging. Unlike “regular” car crashes, accidents with commercial trucks often involve multiple parties with complex corporate structures and insurance policies. At Geoff McDonald & Associates, we can...

    What Kind of Damages Can I Pursue from a Truck Accident?

    A truck accident can disrupt your life by causing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and property damage. You may be eligible to pursue financial compensation, also known as damages, although this may only provide a modicum of relief. Knowing the specific...

    How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Claim?

    Truck accident survivors may on occasion settle their claims without the need for litigation. Unfortunately, truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurance adjusters aren’t always so cooperative. To seek compensation in such cases, you must file a civil lawsuit. If...

    What Should I Do Immediately After a Virginia Truck Accident?

    The steps you should take immediately after a Virginia truck accident mirror those that you would take if you were in a standard car accident. But you should follow the steps carefully, as failure to do so could impact your ability to seek compensation for your...

    What You Should Ask for After an Accident with a Truck

    Navigating truck accidents is complicated because so many different parties could be involved in the accident, including: Truck driver Employer Mechanic Parts manufacturer Shipper   In some cases, you’ll be making a claim with the truck driver’s employer. If the...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald