If you’re a parent of a young child, you’ve likely spent time anticipating your kid’s teenage years — including teaching them how to drive.  

Driving is a definitive step of independence for teenagers and a major cause of anxiety for parents. Distracted driving statistics for young people are worrisome, to say the least: 57 percent of crashes in 2020 directly involved cell phone use and teenagers are significantly more likely to use their phones, respond to texts, and check social media while behind the wheel.

Fortunately, parents can take a proactive stance in preventing distracted driving and educating a new generation of responsible drivers. Here’s where to start: 

Set a good example

A child’s driving education starts as a passenger. By consistently putting your phone away and utilizing do not disturb mode while you drive, you establish a regimen that your child can emulate when it’s their turn to take the wheel. Some tips? Program your GPS and set a playlist before you drive and refrain from checking your phone until the car is parked (yes, even at stoplights or while sitting in traffic.) 

Teach them the law and legal consequences of distracted driving

The consequences of distracted driving are incredibly serious. Besides the increased potential for serious injury and death, many states enforce legal consequences for using your phone while on the road. 

• Hand-held cell phone use is banned in 25 states as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Cell phone use by teen drivers is banned in 36 states and Washington D.C.

• Text messaging while driving is banned in 48 states as well as D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Monetary fines for using your cellphone while driving can be as much as $500 and some states even classify texting and driving as a criminal misdemeanor charge. If phone use results in bodily injury to another driver, jail or prison time could also be imposed. 

Talking to your child about the legal consequences of texting and driving is a crucial step in enforcing safer driving behaviors and ensuring that they are aware of the consequences of their actions. 

Establish a written agreement about driving rules

A growing body of research shows that risky driving, traffic violations, and crashes are lower among teens whose parents apply rules and restrictions to their driving behaviors. 

A report by Safe Kids Worldwide and General Motors Foundation found teens were less likely to engage in dangerous driving behavior when their parents discussed driving rules and expectations with them. 

Teenagers whose parents established a formal written agreement about driving expectations, including using seat belts, drinking and driving, and texting and driving were less likely to engage in risky driving behaviors. 

Sitting down with your child to write down a mutually agreed-upon list of driving rules and restrictions is a simple step that can positively influence your child’s driving behavior for the rest of their life. 

Sign Hunter’s Pledge to End Distracted Driving

Hunter’s Pledge was designed to encourage drivers to commit to safe driving habits.

Since 2016, tens of thousands of drivers have signed the pledge and permanently changed their driving behaviors.

Studies show that signing a pledge can dramatically and permanently change behaviors. In fact, 55 percent of people who sign Hunter’s Pledge have changed their driving behavior. 
Sign the pledge by clicking here.

Hunter’s Fund

Hunter’s Fund honors the life of Hunter Watson, a young man of extremely diverse talents who was killed at 20-years-old when he was fatally injured as a passenger in a distracted driving collision.

Through distracted driving education and awarding grants to help young people’s involvement in performing arts, music, computer science, and entrepreneurship, Hunter’s Fund empowers young people in their careers and keeps Hunter’s spirit alive.

Does your fraternity or organization want to get involved with Hunter’s Pledge? Click here for more information, or contact Natalie Kwon natalie@hunterwatson.org.