On the Road, Off the Phone

Missouri currently has no laws restricting adults from using a cell phone while driving, but it does ban texting for all drivers 21 years old or younger. Teen distracted driving is a serious matter that is vividly (and disturbingly) reflected in available statistics. For instance, according to a Pew survey, 40% of all American teens say they

have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put people in danger. 11% percent of drivers aged 18 to 20 who were involved in an automobile accident and survived admitted they were sending or receiving text when they crashed, and 21% of teen drivers involved in fatal accidents were distracted by their cell phones.

If you have teens, what can you do to keep them safe? The FCC has some recommendations for you. Give teen drivers simple, clear instructions not to use their wireless devices while driving. Remind them that taking their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, could cause injury or cost someone their life. Then remind yourself of the same thing! No one should text and drive. Children learn from their parents, so set rules for yourself and your household regarding distracted driving. It’s a simple as, “on the road, off the phone.”

For more information about distracted driving, visit http://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html.