Learning to drive is much different for today’s Washington teenagers than it was 10 or 20 years ago, because, back then, distractions such as cellphones simply did not exist. At Dean Standish Perkins & Associates, we understand that, as driving habits have changed through the years, so, too, have the dangers associated with driving. We also recognize that teaching teen drivers about the dangers of distracted driving early on can help them establish lifelong habits that will enhance their safety behind the wheel.
According to Nationwide Insurance, drivers under the age of 20 are more likely to find themselves involved in fatal distracted-driving-related car wrecks than older motorists. Part of this is likely due to the fact that teenagers and young adults, in general, are prone to distraction, and many of them have also grown accustomed to using their phones almost constantly.
As a parent of a teenage driver, is there anything you can do to reduce your child’s risk of driving distracted? While laws prevent Washington drivers from holding their phones while driving, not all drivers adhere to this. You may, however, be able to utilize certain apps that prevent your teenager from using his or her phone while the vehicle is in motion.
While cellphone use is a major contributor to distracted-driving-related car crashes, it is not the only form of distraction today’s teenagers face. Statistics show that the more passengers a teen driver has in the car, the more likely he or she is to find his or herself distracted. Thus, banning your child from driving with other teenagers in the vehicle may, too, reduce his or her risk of a wreck. You can find more about car crashes on our webpage.
