5 Proven Strategies to Curb Your Teen's Texting While Driving

Utilize Smartphone Apps to Prevent Texting While Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving claimed over 3,300 lives in 2022. Technology causes part of that problem and can take part of it away: several apps exist specifically to stop texting while driving. These apps work by blocking incoming messages or automatically responding to texts when the vehicle is in motion, effectively removing the temptation to engage with the phone while driving.

For iOS users, the built-in "Do Not Disturb While Driving" feature can be activated to silence notifications and send automatic replies. Android users can explore options like "DriveMode" or "Android Auto" for similar functionality. Third-party apps like "LifeSaver" and "TrueMotion Family" offer advanced features such as trip tracking and driver scoring, which can be beneficial for both iOS and Android users.

Setting Up and Using Smartphone Apps

Implementing these apps is a straightforward process that can significantly reduce the risk of distracted driving. To get started, parents and teens should choose an app together that suits their needs and is compatible with their devices.

For example, to set up the "Do Not Disturb While Driving" feature on an iPhone:

• Go to Settings > Control Center
• Tap "Customize Controls"
• Add "Do Not Disturb While Driving" to your Control Center
• Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to access Control Center
• Tap the car icon to activate the feature

For Android users, setting up "Android Auto" is equally simple:

• Download the Android Auto app from the Google Play Store
• Open the app and follow the on-screen setup instructions
• Connect your phone to your car's USB port or enable Bluetooth
• The app will automatically launch when connected to your car

To ensure your teen is using the app consistently, consider setting up regular check-ins to review the app's usage statistics together. Some apps even allow parents to receive notifications if the feature is disabled, providing an extra layer of accountability.

Implement a Family Driving Contract

A family driving contract is a powerful tool for establishing clear expectations and consequences regarding safe driving practices. This written agreement between parents and teen drivers helps create a mutual understanding of the rules, including the strict prohibition of texting while driving.

Key Elements of a Family Driving Contract

An effective family driving contract should cover various aspects of safe driving behavior. Here are some essential components to include:

• Phone use: Clearly state that texting, calling, or using social media while driving is strictly prohibited.
• Passenger limits: Specify the number of passengers allowed in the car, as more passengers can increase distractions.
• Curfews: Florida already sets one. Under Florida Statute 322.16, a licensed driver under 17 may not drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., and a 17-year-old may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless a licensed driver aged 21 or older is in the car or the teen is driving directly to or from work. Set your own curfew on top of that.
• Consequences: Outline specific consequences for breaking the rules, such as loss of driving privileges or additional chores.
• Parental responsibilities: Include commitments from parents, such as providing a ride home no questions asked if the teen feels unsafe to drive.

When addressing texting while driving in the contract, consider using language like: "I agree to never use my phone for texting, social media, or any other purpose while operating a vehicle. I understand that doing so puts my life and the lives of others at risk."

For consequences, you might include a statement such as: "If I am found to be texting while driving, I will lose my driving privileges for two weeks and be required to complete an additional online driver safety course at my own expense."

Use Positive Reinforcement Techniques

While setting rules and consequences is important, using positive reinforcement can be equally effective in encouraging safe driving habits. By rewarding good behavior, parents can motivate their teens to make responsible choices behind the wheel, including refraining from texting while driving.

Creating a Reward System

Implementing a reward system can provide tangible incentives for teens to maintain safe driving practices. Here are some ideas for structuring an effective reward system:

• Reward a safe driving streak, such as a set number of days or weeks with no infractions, including texting while driving.
• Save the larger rewards for milestones like six months or a year of safe driving.
• Assign points for safe driving behaviors that your teen can accumulate and redeem.

Possible rewards could include extended curfews, additional driving privileges (e.g., permission to drive to a special event), or monetary incentives such as gas money or contributions towards car insurance payments. The key is to choose rewards that are meaningful and motivating for your specific teen.

To implement these rewards consistently, consider creating a visual tracker or using a shared digital calendar to monitor progress. Regularly review and adjust the reward system as your teen's driving habits improve over time. This flexibility allows you to gradually increase expectations while maintaining motivation.

Lead by Example: A Parent's Role in Preventing Texting While Driving

Teens copy what they see from the passenger seat. Research from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute shows that teens are 2.5 times more likely to engage in distracted driving behaviors if they frequently observe their parents doing so. Therefore, it's essential for parents to model safe driving behavior consistently.

Tips for Parents to Model Safe Driving Behavior

To set a positive example for your teen driver, consider implementing these practices:

• Put your phone out of reach before you start the car, in the glove compartment or the backseat.
• Use a hands-free device if you must take a call, and keep the conversation brief.
• Pull over and park somewhere safe if you need to answer an urgent message or make a call.
• Check your route and answer any messages before you start driving.
• Explain your safe driving choices out loud when your teen is in the car, so the habit is visible.

It's important to acknowledge that even parents can make mistakes. If you slip up and use your phone while driving, use it as a teaching moment. Admit your error to your teen, explain why it was dangerous, and discuss how you'll prevent it from happening again. This honesty and accountability can reinforce the importance of safe driving habits for both you and your teen.

Educate Teens About the Dangers and Legal Consequences

Give your teen the penalties, not a lecture. Under Florida Statute 316.305(4), a first texting-while-driving violation is a noncriminal traffic infraction punished as a nonmoving violation, and a second within five years is punished as a moving violation. Holding a phone at all is separately banned in school crossings, school zones and active work zones by Florida Statute 316.306, which is a moving violation carrying three points against the license under section 322.27(3)(d)8. Points are the part that stings for a new driver, because they follow the license and the insurance premium. Florida also has extra distracted driving rules for young drivers.

Effective Ways to Educate Teens

To help your teen grasp the seriousness of texting while driving, consider these educational approaches:

• Watch and discuss documentaries or PSAs about distracted driving together.
• Attend a local driver safety workshop or seminar as a family.
• Invite a police officer, crash survivor, or emergency responder to share what they have seen.
• Try a distracted driving simulator, which some organizations offer as a safe way to show what happens.
• Talk through real news stories about texting and driving so the consequences feel concrete.

Remember to maintain an open dialogue about safe driving practices, encouraging your teen to ask questions and share their thoughts and experiences.

Handling Emergency Situations

A blanket no-phone rule needs one exception spelled out, or your teen will invent their own.

Teach your teen to pull over safely to the side of the road or into a parking lot if they absolutely must make an emergency call or send an urgent message. Emphasize that no message is worth risking their life or the lives of others on the road.

Empower Teen Drivers With The Right Resources

A teen who knows what the law actually costs, drives a phone that silences itself, and has a written agreement at home is safer than a teen who has only been told to be careful on Florida’s roads.

If you’re looking for helpful insights, resources, and educational tools to help your teen become a responsible driver, consider joining the Weinstein Legal Team community. We believe that education is the best way to stay prepared and protected, even before you have a case. Click here to join the Weinstein Legal Team Community today!