Friends Don’t Let Friends TEXT and Drive
If you have a teen driver, then you have probably had more than one conversation about obeying the traffic laws, car maintenance, and keeping the car radio at a reasonable volume. But have you talked to them about driving and using their cell phones, specifically texting? Did you know that in 5 states it is illegal to use anything but a "hands free" wireless device? And in 17 states, including the District of Columbia, all cell phone use is restricted for novice drivers.
Teens like to always be connected, and their familiarity with cell phone technology might convince them that it is OK to text and drive. A study of 16-and 17-year-old-drivers by the American Automotive Association and Seventeen magazine stated that of the teens engaging in risky driving habits, 46% admitted to texting while driving. However, all it takes is 3 seconds of inattention to cause an accident, as 18-year-old Richard Tatum learned when he crashed his car head-on into a cement truck while texting and driving.
When you talk to your teen about healthy use of the Internet, include the need to occasionally be unplugged and make sure that you mention taking a break from the cell phone. Refraining from texting while driving is a definite health issue; in fact, it might just save your teen's life.
