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Back to school: 4 things every parent should review with teen drivers

Back to school: 4 things every parent should review with teen drivers

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Did you know with parent involvement, a teen driver is half as likely to speed and twice as likely to wear their seat belt? Research has found parent involvement to be key in safe teen driving, often making the difference between life and death.

As school is starting up again, here are 4 things to talk about with your driving teenager:

1. “Using a phone while driving is equal to driving drunk. Put the phone down.”

Your teen is 30 percent less likely to talk on a cell phone while driving with your involvement. This is something that you need to set hard rules for that include no texting or talking on the phone while driving.

Even better, encourage teens to leave the phone in the purse, glove box or back seat. Studies have shown texting and driving is equal to someone driving at twice the legal alcohol limit. Also, as a parent, never text or call your teen when you know they are driving. Do everything you can to encourage them to put the cell phone away behind the wheel.

2. “Passengers can be BIG distractions, often contributing to crashes.”

From a recent study at Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), nearly 70 percent of crashes involve “some type of observable distraction.” Distractions range from your cell phone, that juicy lunchtime hamburger, the radio, friends and countless other things. Anything that takes eyes, hands, or mind off the road is a distraction.

Under the Graduated Driver’s License Laws, your teen cannot have anyone in the car with them except for immediate family in the 6 months after they have gotten their license. This means no friends in the car for at least 6 months. But you, as a parent, can set rules beyond the law to keep your teen safe.

3. “We will pick you up at ANY time, for any reason.”

While your teen is 70 percent less likely to drink and drive with your involvement, Utah roads need 100 percent. You should discuss the dangers of underage drinking with your teen and the risks associated with drunk driving. Let your teen know that you will come and pick them up at any time for any reason.

While as parents, you'd like to think and assume that “our teen” is not the one drinking. While this may be true, there is a chance your teen may be pressured into underage drinking. In this case, they may be scared to call you and ask for a ride home. Too often teens risk their lives, as well as others, driving home impaired. Make the rule that you will come and pick them up at any time, no matter the circumstances. It’s better they call for a ride than drive home impaired.

4. “ALWAYS wear your seatbelt.”

In 2015, 86 of the lives lost on Utah roads were from not being buckled up. Wearing your seatbelt is something that is so simple and is the single most effective way to save your life in a car crash. It does not matter if you are driving just a few minutes to school or just down the street to a friends house; ALWAYS wear your seatbelt.

Courtesy of Zero Fatalities
Courtesy of Zero Fatalities

Parents, do not forget to be the example. Being the example of these behaviors and having the chat with your teen about these things go hand-in-hand. Utahns can make the goal of Zero Fatalities, but only with your help. Talk to your teen, and be involved. To learn more, visit www.zerofatalites.com for a Parent Guide to safe teen driving.

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