How Parents Can Talk to Their Teens About Distracted Driving

The windows are down, the music is up, and the wide-open road is ahead. Your teen is driving for the first time. It’s a mix of excitement, independence, and a thrilling sense of possibility.

Getting a driver’s license is a major milestone for teens and a moment of both pride and panic for parents. That first taste of freedom comes with serious responsibility: teen driver safety. One of the biggest threats on the road is distracted driving, especially among teenagers who are still developing their driving skills.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that fatalities among young drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 increased by 20% between 2013 and 2022. In Arizona, of the 1,302 fatalities that happened in 2022, 169 of them involved young drivers.

A joyful drive can turn into a life-changing tragedy in an instant. As a parent or guardian, discussing the dangers of distracted driving with your teen and promoting responsible driving habits BEFORE tragedy strikes is vital.

Here’s how to talk to your teenager about distracted driving before they get behind the wheel alone.

What Counts as Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving isn’t just texting; it’s any activity that takes attention away from the road. For teens, that can include:

  • Texting or using social media
  • Talking on the phone (even hands-free)
  • Eating or drinking
  • Changing music or using a navigation app
  • Chatting with passengers

According to another report by the NHTSA, teen drivers are two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in risky behavior when driving with one teen passenger versus driving alone. And texting while driving (which one in three teens has done!) increases the risk of a crash by 23 times.

How to Start the Conversation with Your Teen

You don’t need to give a dramatic lecture or scare them with statistics (though a few can help!). Instead, aim for an honest, open conversation about teen driver safety. Here are a few tips:

  • Pick the right time. Choose a calm moment like a quiet drive or dinner at home when you’re not rushed or distracted.
  • Keep it real. Share true stories or news headlines about distracted driving crashes. Teens respond to real-world examples.
  • Lead with love, not judgment. Emphasize that your concern comes from wanting them safe, not from a lack of trust.

Set Expectations and Make a Plan

Having clear rules and expectations gives your teen structure. Try these steps:

  1. Create a family driving agreement. This is a written promise outlining rules (like no phone use while driving) and the consequences if they’re broken.
  2. Sign the Just Drive Pledge. The National Safety Council’s pledge reinforces a family-wide commitment to distraction-free driving.
  3. Activate safety features. Show your teen how to turn on “Do Not Disturb While Driving” on their phone.
  4. Talk about peer pressure. Teen drivers often feel pressure to respond to texts or act casually behind the wheel when friends are around. Encourage them to practice what to say to a friend who disrespects their boundaries. Also, consider limiting passengers during their first months of driving.
  5. Model what you want to see. Kids watch everything we do. If you’re texting at red lights or glancing at your phone in traffic, they’ll think it’s okay. Keep your phone out of reach while driving, share your personal choices, and use any mistakes as teachable moments.

Safety Tips Beyond the Driver’s Seat

While cars may be the main focus when teens start driving, it’s not the only safety concern parents should have on their radar. Many teens rely on electric scooters, bikes, and walking to get around — often with earbuds in and phones out, thinking more about their playlists than their surroundings.

The rise in electric scooter use among teens has led to an increase in accidents, injuries, and fatalities. To help prevent crashes with cars, bikes, and pedestrians while riding, encourage them to:

  • Wear a helmet and bright clothing.
  • Ride solo, no passengers.
  • Obey traffic laws and signals.
  • Avoid distractions: no texting or headphones while riding.
  • Stay alert to traffic, pedestrians, and obstacles.

These same habits apply whether your teen is riding a bike, crossing the street, or walking through a busy parking lot. Talk to them about being aware of their surroundings because staying safe isn’t just about what they do behind the wheel. It’s about the choices they make in everyday moments.

A Life-Saving Conversation

Distracted driving, and distracted behavior in general, is preventable. Your conversations with your teen today can help shape the decisions they make tomorrow, whether behind the wheel, on a scooter, or walking down the street.

If your teen has been injured in an accident and you wish to discuss the specifics of your case, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bache Lynch Goldsmith & Mendoza.