If you have young drivers, you already know that car accidents are one of the leading causes of death among young drivers.
We have more things to distract us while we're driving today than we've ever had before.
Texting and reading emails on our cell phones while driving, along with many other distractions, can lead to tragic consequences.
As a parent, it's your job to make sure your kids are prepared when they get behind the wheel.
That's why you need to discuss the ramifications that can accompany in-car distractions and the importance of safe driving.
The team at Arrowhead Clinic in Duluth, GA, has put together the blog below to help you talk to your kids about safe driving.
Table of Contents
- Common Driving Distractions
- Driving With Friends
- Cell Phones
- Radio Use
- Consequences of Distracted Driving
- Treat Distracted Driving Injuries at Arrowhead Clinic in Duluth
Common Driving Distractions
Anything that distracts while you're driving could result in a car accident.
However, there are a few common distractions that are seen at a higher frequency among young drivers.
Sitting down and discussing these circumstances and how to avoid them with your teenager may cause them to rethink their actions the next time they get behind the wheel.
Driving With Friends
Your son or daughter will most likely have friends in their car on occasion.
While that isn't inherently bad, you must talk to your kids about not getting caught up in conversations and other things that may occur when passengers are present.
When your child is driving, they need to be focused on the road, not what their friends are doing in the backseat.
Cell Phones
As a parent, it is essential to lead by example when it comes to the use of cell phones in the car.
If your child sees you driving and texting, it is almost a guarantee that they are going to do the same.
Rather than just telling them what to do, you should set a good example.
Keep your phone in your pocket while you are driving, and turn on the "safe driving" feature that many phones have now.
Once you've set the example, you can have a reoccurring conversation with them that will reinforce the dangers that come with cell phone use while driving.
Radio Use
Even taking your eyes off the road for a split second to adjust the radio can be life-threatening.
Adjusting the radio station or changing the song on their iPod may only require your teen to look away for a few seconds, but that brief amount of time is all it takes for a serious accident to occur.
Tell them to create a driving playlist before they go anywhere and leave the radio alone.
If they want to listen to the radio, tell them to be content to listen to the same station for their entire trip.
Keeping their focus off of the radio may cut back on any potential problems.
Consequences of Distracted Driving
The most common consequences of driving distracted are:
• Slow reaction time
• Veering into another lane
• Missing traffic signals and signs
• Not being able to spot emergencies ahead of time
• Not being able to see pedestrians crossing the street
• The inability to see if a vehicle in front of you is stepping on their brakes
Treat Distracted Driving Injuries at Arrowhead Clinic in Duluth
At Arrowhead Clinic, in Duluth, GA, we want to help keep your kids safe by sharing these valuable tips with them early and often.
They might not like hearing them right now, they might roll their eyes and beg for the car keys while you talk to them, but they will listen, and they will be thankful for your advice in the future.
If you or your child has been involved in a car accident already, chiropractic care may be just what you need to make a complete recovery.
Chiropractors like Dr. Gentry with Arrowhead Clinic in Duluth are experts at treating the injuries that commonly occur with car accidents.
If you'd like a free consultation to speak with Dr. Gentry in Duluth about your car accident, click the button below.
