Teens and Driving with Technology in Hand

Distractions are a common cause of accidents with teen drivers. These drivers are still learning to drive. They likely are still building up confidence behind the wheel and developing good skills. Yet, they have many types of technology at their fingertips. These may include phones, radios and GPS systems.  

While auto insurance may support accident claims, it is best to work to reduce these risks from the start. Consider these tips for reducing teen driver accidents. 

Teach Drivers the Importance of Safety 
A big factor for keeping teen drivers safe is simply to teach them the risks. Provide information about what the problem is. 

• Teach drivers that accidents occur as a result of distraction.
• The driver's brain needs to focus on the road, not their phone or radio.
• Accidents really do happen. In 2015, there were 2,333 teens between the ages of 16 and 19 that died in vehicle accidents. That means six U.S. teen drivers died every day from motor vehicle accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
•  Even if teens survive a crash, the results can be catastrophic. Teens can lose limbs in these accidents or even become paralyzed. A significant accident may very well alter the course of a teen's life. 

• No phones near the driver. This should be a rule. Tell your driver to place his or her phone in the backseat of the car. By keeping the phone out of reach, the teen won’t be tempted to talk on it while driving.
• Reduce in-dash technology risks. Implement the use of voice-activated or steering wheel technology when possible. This way, the teen can keep both hands and eyes on the wheel at all times.
• Teach teens that they need to hear what's happening around them. If they cannot hear an approaching ambulance, their music is too loud. Their first degree of attention should be to the road.