Parents are concerned about distracted driving among teenagers

Tennessee parents are concerned about instilling good habits in their teenage drivers. Young people are more likely to be distracted or lose focus more often while driving than older adults. Researchers are interested in helping both teens and parents to have an open dialogue about the importance of being a good driver and passenger.

One survey included 900 parents who had teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 reporting on the actions and attitudes of parents when it involved their teenagers riding in the car with peers. This is something that occurred once or twice each week for about 30% of the parents. Many parents limited the trips that their teenagers could take with other teenagers, especially when it required their teenagers to drive on the highway.

Parents were also concerned about cellphone use and loud music. Since teens have the disadvantage of not being experienced drivers, when driving conditions change, they are at more risk of having car accidents. This is especially true when it comes to teens facing bad weather or driving late at night. Nearly 70% of parents in the survey said that they limited their teens when driving with other teens late at night or when the weather was bad.

Safe driving should be viewed as a shared responsibility. Teens should be safe drivers and passengers since risks are high in each situation. Parents can work with their teens to be proactive when it comes to avoiding distractions while driving or speaking up to stop unsafe activities that could lead to accidents.

Distracted driving can lead to serious accidents. An individual who has been the victim of an accident because of driver negligence may wish to speak with a personal injury attorney. The attorney may be able to provide advice on the steps a person needs to take to protect themselves after an accident and may represent their client in court if it is necessary.