Safe Driving Habits

It is very important to practice safe driving habits. Not only are these safe habits important to protect oneself but to protect others on the road. In order to reduce dangerous driving habits among teenagers-like texting and using social media-they need to see good examples set, utilize hands free devices, have laws made and enforced and be aware of the risks to dangerous habits.

Kids are taught by following examples, this is how they learn. It is the job of the parent or guardian to set this standard for how they want their children to be. If someone saw their mom or dad texting or scrolling through their facebook feed while driving for their whole life, why would they not think it is okay? Parents need to take the responsibility and put their phones down while they are driving. When teens are going on practice drives, parents should make a point to put their own phone as well as their teen’s phone into the center console (or somewhere they can’t see or hear notifications). By doing this, the parent will be able to remain engaged while guiding their teenager, but also setting a standard and making sure the teen knows driving while being distracted is unacceptable.

Smartphones have a feature called bluetooth, this will connect to audio systems in cars. This feature allows for a hands free function in vehicles in case of a phone call, listen to GPS or to play music. Today, with apps like spotify or apple music, listening to songs in the car is important to teenagers. It is important that they have a set playlist that can be played in the car without the need to search up the next song. When anyone is searching for a new song, their eyes and attention are no longer on the road. Not only is bluetooth convenient for listening to music but, GPS apps will connect to bluetooth as well. The navigation system will use your location and the directions will play over a vehicle’s audio system. A driver will never have to look at a map while they are driving. If a teen gets a phone call while they are driving, this will pop up on their audio system and they are able to click a button on their steering wheel. This will allow the driver to keep their eyes remaining focused on the road.

Lawmakers understand the risks of being distracted while driving and recently in Indiana, a new law has been put in place that a driver cannot have their phone in their hand while driving. This is not a brand new law, there are 24 states where this is in place. The driver can receive a five hundred dollar fine! Because most new drivers do not have five hundred dollars to spare, this negative incentive will encourage teens to remain off of their phone. This law should be implemented all over the United States, the majority do not have this in place. By following the rest of the US, states around the country will have implemented better safe driving habits in teens.

Encouraging teens to have safe driving habits is not difficult. They need to have a good example from their parents, use hands free features and follow the law. By doing this, the risks are diminished and teens will be able to protect themselves and others on the road.