April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and TFI is encouraging caregivers to prioritize teen driving safety. As your teen grows, so can your worries as they begin their journey on the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,275 people were killed by distracted driving in 2023. Though you may not be with them on every drive, preparing yourteenager in advance can ease your worries on their road journey.
Before your teenager earns their driver’s license, TFI would like to offer advice to help parents ensure their young drivers stay safe behind the wheel.
1. Lead by Example: Never text and drive in your own vehicle under any circumstance. If your teenager sees you doing it, they will think it is acceptable for them to do it.
2. Consider apps that prevent texting: Consider using applications designed to prevent texting while driving. For instance, Drive Mode by AT&T is a free app that disables texting when it detects the phone is in motion.
3. Recommend Safe Alternatives: Encourage your teenager to assign a passenger as the designated texter if they need to communicate while driving. Alternatively, suggest keeping the phone in the glove compartment. If they must use the phone, they should make a call instead of texting.
4. Enforce Strict Rules: If you witness your teenager texting while driving or if someone else informs you of such behavior – take immediate action! Hold your teenager accountable for their actions to emphasize the gravity of the situation.
5. Review your local state resources: Learn about the requirements and information on teen driving resources in Kansas. Go to the Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles – Teen Driving webpage.
By following these recommendations, you can help your teenager become a safe and
responsible driver, ultimately giving you and other parents peace of mind.
# # #