Facts about teens texting and driving

While anyone can be caught texting and driving in Illinois, teenagers are particularly susceptible to using their phones while they’re on the road. As a result, they’re also more likely to get in a serious accident. Here’s what parents need to know about teenagers texting and driving.

What makes texting and driving so dangerous?

Like brushing your hair or fiddling with the radio, texting and driving takes your attention away from the road. If you’re not watching the road, it only takes a split second for you to get in a motor vehicle accident. Teens are even more vulnerable because they just started driving recently and haven’t had time to practice their defensive driving skills. Despite this, teens frequently engage in texting and driving as well as answering phone calls and scrolling through social media.

When teenagers start driving, it’s important for their parents to teach them safe driving skills. They should educate them about the risks of distracted driving and point out that motor vehicle accidents could easily involve them and their friends. Parents should also give their children tips like answering their messages before they get on the road and setting their phone on silent mode so that they’re not distracted by notifications.

It’s also important for parents to model good behavior by not calling or texting their teenager while they’re on the road. Otherwise, their child might feel like they have to answer their parents while they’re driving and end up getting in an accident.

What if you’re the victim of an accident?

You might end up being the victim of a car accident if the other driver wasn’t paying attention. Once you’ve received medical attention and taken pictures of the crash site, you may want to consider hiring an attorney to pursue compensation for your injuries.