How to Help Your Teen Avoid Distracted Driving

We live in distracting times. While the boom in technology has brought many positive advances, we now have countless diversions vying for our attention – everything from social media and endless streaming options to texts and calls. One of the most beguiling devices, particularly to teenagers, is the cell phone. With apps designed specifically to capture and keep our attention, the phones are as addictive as they are ubiquitous. Unfortunately, when it comes to teens and driving, the consequences can be lethal.

The Statistics

Although plenty of adults are guilty of distracted driving, it’s of particular concern for teen drivers, who are less experienced and more likely to engage in this behavior. The National Roadside Safety Foundation reports that 60% of teens drive while distracted, which is double the rate of all drivers. That distraction can have deadly consequences. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) show that teens are 10 times more likely to be in a fatal car crash than adults.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,275 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2023 alone. Additional statistics from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation show 205 Oklahomans killed in distracted-related crashes from 2017 to 2021, with an additional 8,000 injured.

Texting is the most alarming distraction. On average, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that equates to driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

Texting isn’t the only activity that contributes to distracted driving, although it’s one of the most prevalent. Talking on the phone, eating and drinking, interacting with passengers and fiddling with the radio or navigation apps can also steal your attention from the road.

Oklahoma Law

Not only is distracted driving a huge safety issue, it’s also illegal in Oklahoma. State Statute §47-11-901b states, “The operator of every vehicle, while driving, shall devote their full time and attention to such driving.”

Because texting while driving is as common as it is risky, Oklahoma state lawmakers also passed OK Statute §47-11-901d to specifically address it. The law makes it illegal for any driver on Oklahoma roads to text while driving.

The Role of Parents

As a parent, there are a number of things you can do to help your child learn to be a responsible, focused driver. First and foremost: Model good behavior. Your teen has witnessed your driving from a young age and is very likely to copy your behavior for better or worse.

“Kids have so many tools that distract them, and one of them is cell phones,” says Greg Nash, a Drivers Education instructor with Oklahoma Driving School. “Not only do these kids text, but they get a bad example from adults who text because they think it’s OK. ‘Mom and dad text. My friends text. Other drivers text. Why can’t I?’”

Nash, who has 38 years of teaching experience, estimates he’s helped some 10,000 students learn to drive. He believes parents (or other caregivers) can support their kids in many ways, including making sure each new driver gets adequate driving experience.

“These kids need to have 50 hours of driving time, 10 at night. They need to have a lot of parent/student driving sessions,” he says. “They’re immature, inexperienced, with no practice time behind the wheel. These kids need their parents to make sure they get some practice in.”

Nash sees this as a great way to spend quality time with your child and “get some repetition behind the wheel.”

Establish rules

Whether it’s a safe driving “contract” or simply ground rules, understanding expectations around technology is important. Establish clear rules for your new driver regarding device use and driving. Discuss consequences, such as losing phone or car privileges, if the rules are broken.

Other issues to address might include passenger limits, drug and alcohol use, compliance with traffic laws and courtesy to other drivers.

Pre-trip checklist

Establishing a pre-trip checklist can help teens avoid engaging in distracting activities while driving. Work with your new driver to make a list specific to his or her needs. For example, your list might include things like finding sunglasses, setting music and temperature controls, adjusting mirrors and programming the GPS – all before starting the car.

Distracted driving impacts everyone. Taking steps to teach new drivers how to drive safely is incredibly important. Drivers Education, hand-in-hand with the support of parents and other adults, plays a significant role in developing the next generation of responsible drivers.

“I enjoy preparing people for driving an automobile, which really is a weapon,” Nash says. “I want these kids to understand the responsibilities and the liabilities that you have as you prepare to drive this car. It’s rewarding to see these kids go on and be good, safe drivers throughout their lifetime.”

For more information, visit oklahoma.gov or oklahomadrivingschool.com.

Four-Step Oklahoma Graduated Driver License Program

1. Student Driver (no license)

Must be at least 15 years old and enrolled in a state-certified Driver Education course

Allowed to drive only while accompanied by and receiving instruction from either a Certified Driver Education Instructor or a Public School Instructor

2. Learner Permit

Must be 15 years old and enrolled and receiving instruction in an approved Service Oklahoma Driver Education course and pass the Oklahoma Written Exam OR

16 years old and passed the Oklahoma Written Exam (Drivers Education is optional for people 16 years old and older)

Allowed to drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. while accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old

3. Intermediate License

Must have previously held a learner permit for 180 days, no traffic convictions, 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training (10 at night), completed the Oklahoma Work Zone Safe course

Allowed to drive from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. with no restrictions if you’re driving to and from activities related to school, church or work or if you’re accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old in seated in the front

Allowed to drive with one passenger or only household members or any passenger if accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old seated in the front

4. Unrestricted License

Completed Driver Education and have held an Intermediate License for 180 days OR

haven’t take Driver Education and have held an Intermediate License for at least the immediately preceding year OR

16 1/2 years old with 50 hours (10 at night) of behind-the-wheel training

No restrictions on the time of day or the type/number of passengers

Julie Wenger Watson is a freelance writer who’s worked in all aspects of music promotion. She’s also Co-Director of “Live From Cain’s,” a public radio show pilot.