As a car accident injury lawyer in Knoxville, we see firsthand how distracted driving affects families. Did you know that, according to the CDC, the risk of car accidents is higher in teens aged 16 to 19 than in any other age group? A large number of those accidents can be attributed to a lack of focus, otherwise known as distracted driving. As a car accident injury lawyer in Knoxville, we see this on a regular basis. That is why, as a parent, it is important to talk to your teenagers about staying focused on the road when they get behind the wheel of their car.

Let's take a closer look at distracted driving and how you can broach the subject with your teenagers.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving occurs when a driver engages in activities that divert their attention from operating a vehicle safely. It reduces the driver's ability to focus on the road, surroundings, and potential hazards. Distracted driving is often categorized into three main types:

  • Visual Distractions - These are the types of distractions that cause you to take your eyes off the road, such as looking at your cell phone or adjusting the radio.
  • Manual Distractions - This is the type of distraction that involves moving your hands off of the steering wheel, including texting, reaching for items, and eating or drinking.
  • Cognitive Distractions - You can also be distracted when your mind is not on the road. This could include daydreaming, being angry, or even talking to your passengers.

All of these distractions can result in an accident, and a car accident injury lawyer in Knoxville can often trace these factors as contributing causes. Distracted driving is not only dangerous but can also have legal implications. Even if you are the injured party, you may still be assigned partial blame if there is evidence of distracted driving.

Having a Conversation With Your Teen

Talking to your teenager about distracted driving is an important conversation, to you need to make sure everyone is entirely focused on the topic. Don't start the conversation over dinner; make sure the TV is off, and phones are set aside. You need to make sure they have your full attention. You might want to prepare yourself by pulling relevant statistics about teen drivers and distractions. It is essential that your teen understands the level of risk associated with being behind the wheel of a vehicle and how much that risk increases when they lose focus because of common distractions. Some parents also find it helpful to show videos of crash simulations or news reports of local accidents to drive the point home.

Rules & Consequences

You are likely already applying rules and consequences to your children in various areas of their lives. It's a part of being a parent. For example, no dessert unless you eat your vegetables, no TV before homework, or a curfew to return home at night. Driving shouldn't be any different. When they obtain their driver's license, it is important to set out the rules and the consequences of breaking them. By following these rules and instilling them in your teenagers, you can help reduce the chances of them needing assistance from a car accident injury lawyer in Knoxville. Setting clear expectations and consequences can significantly minimize the risk of accidents caused by distracted driving. A few examples could include:

  • No cell phone when driving. Some parents make it a rule to keep it in the glove compartment so it is out of sight and out of reach to reduce temptation.
  • Follow passenger restrictions at all times. In Tennessee, 16-year-olds can obtain an Intermediate Restricted License (IR), which allows only one passenger and cannot drive between 11 pm and 6 am.

Aside from potential legal consequences and the risk of injury, you should also apply your own consequences for any breaches of the rules you set out. This may include something like restricting driving privileges.

Be a Driver Role Model

One of the best things you can do to teach your child to be a safe and focused driver is to lead by example. Our kids watch everything that we do, and they emulate our behaviors. Make sure you demonstrate how to be a safe and focused driver by not using your phone or adjusting your navigation while behind the wheel.

Here are some tips from a car accident injury lawyer in Knoxville on ways you can avoid distracted driving:

  • Preferably, you should avoid making or receiving calls while driving, but if you must then use a hands-free device
  • Set up your GPS before starting your trip and pull over if you need to adjust it for any reason
  • Encourage your passengers to handle tasks such as navigation or adjusting the radio
  • Set up a playlist of music that is long enough for the entire journey to avoid having to adjust radio controls
  • Pull over to a safe location if you need to attend to a task such as retrieving something from the back seat

In conclusion, distracted driving is a serious issue that impacts families and communities, especially when it involves young and inexperienced drivers. As parents, taking proactive steps to educate and guide your teenagers on safe driving habits can make all the difference. By setting clear rules, leading by example, and having open conversations, you can help reduce the likelihood of an accident. If a distracted driving incident does occur, a car accident injury lawyer in Knoxville can provide the support and guidance needed to navigate the legal and emotional challenges that follow. Stay safe, and remember, every effort counts in keeping our roads safer for everyone.

--

Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.

Please reference BV&B's content disclaimer (located in this channel's profile description) in regard to this shared content.