Texting while driving is dangerous business. Studies show that thousands of drivers are killed by accidents involving the use of cell phones, specifically texting. Just in the state of Pennsylvania, there were 1,298 cell phone related accidents in 2008.
Here are a few statistics from; Edgar Snyder & Associates :
Teen Driver Cell Phone and Texting Statistics:
–Despite the risks, the majority of teen drivers ignore cell phone driving restrictions .Talking on a cell phone while driving can make a young driver’s reaction time as slow as that of a 70-year-old.
–56% of teenagers admit to talking on their cell phones behind the wheel, while 13% admit to texting while driving. (Note: Because this information was given voluntarily by teens, actual cell phone use numbers may be much higher.)
–52% of 16- and 17-year-old teen drivers confess to making and answering cell phone calls on the road. 34% admit to text messaging while driving.
–In 2007, driver distractions, such as using a cell phone or text messaging, contributed to nearly 1,000 crashes involving 16- and 17-year-old drivers.
–Over 60% of American teens admit to risky driving, and nearly half of those that admit to risky driving also admit to text messaging behind the wheel .
–Each year, 21% of fatal car crashes involving teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 were the result of cell phone usage. This result has been expected to grow as much as 4% every year. For more statistics see; Edgar Snyder & Associates.
So parents that text while driving, listen up…Stop it right now ! You should be ashamed of yourselves! Aren’t you supposed to be showing a good example for your kids? And for parents that follow the rules, and are wonderful examples for their children, pay attention because there is hope, and ways to prevent your kids from texting while driving. These four suggestions may not be able to completely protect them from getting in a car accident, but you can feel better knowing you did everything possible to prevent it, at least you’re making sure they won’t be texting while driving!
4 Ways to Stop Kids Texting While Driving:
1. Get them TXTBlocker for their cell phone.
TXTBlocker is a software and online service combo which locks off a registered mobile phone from making or receiving text messages or calls while in a car. It can even let parents check if its working from their home computer, as well as check the car’s speed at the time, and if the teens are following the rules. So how does it work? What happens to the text messages, e-mails and phone calls when TXTBlocker is active? According to RedFerret.net, here’s the answer: A. Text messages and e-mails are kept in the phone’s database until the phone is in a ‘safe’ state. An automatic TXT message is sent as a reply to senders to let them know that TXTBlocker is active and that you will receive their message once you are clear to communicate safely.Phone calls are sent to voicemail. Oh and it can also be set up to block any calls or SMS in classrooms. Hah, gotcha, ya little tykes. Read more about TXTBlocker at; RedFerret.net .
2. Have your teen sign a contract .
Maybe you could get your teen to sign a contract and make a written pact to keep their word. As Consumer Guide Auto suggests, “The benefits of a written agreement are threefold: the teen knows exactly what is expected of him/her; he/she is more committed to following the rules since he/she agreed to them in writing; and he/she is obligated to pay the consequences for his/her transgressions since he/she agreed in writing to do so.
3. Install a GPS Tracker Car Spy or micro-security camera in the car.
Ok, this one is a little far fetched, but if you’re really worried about your teen, this could be a sure way to keep them in line and stop them from making any texts while driving.
4. Take away their cell phones.
I know, this sounds harsh, but believe me, if all else fails it will work as a last resort. But, just a warning; this may result in any or all of the following: your teen dis-owning you, screaming obscenities at you, committing suicide, holding their breath until they turn blue, or refusing to speak to you until the end of time, “But I’ll just DIE without my cell phone!!”.
I sincerely hope these suggestions can help your teen be safer on the roads and stop senseless texting while driving, it will keep all of us safer.
Resources & More Reading;
Edgar Snyder & Associates: http://www.edgarsnyder.com/car-accident/cell-phone/statistics.html
TXTBlocker. http://www.redferret.net/?p=16489
GPS Tracker Car Spy or micro-security camera
Consumer Guide Auto -Si gn a contract .
