How to (and How NOT to) Talk to Your Teen About Texting and Driving

You’ve probably seen one of the many articles floating around urging you to talk to your teen about texting and driving. Like any conversation with your teenager, this may be easier said than done…

Here’s how to get the point across (without sounding preachy or lecture-y) and hopefully make a difference!

1. What NOT to do:

Bring it up in the middle of a lecture about something else. It’s easy to get started on one topic (“you are absolutely NOT driving to the beach with your friends for Spring break! You just got your license!!”) and then carry into the next one (“And by the way, I saw you texting yesterday when you were leaving our neighborhood!!!”) Teens are defensive. They want freedom. If they feel they are being lectured, they will tune you out. This topic is way too important to waste your breath on.

1. What to do:

Bring it up when you’re both in a good mood, spending time together (this may be rare, so make it count!) Tell your teen about a close call YOU have had because of distracted driving. Quote a stat “you know, I saw that texting and driving makes you 3 times more likely to crash! It’s hard to believe anyone would do it after hearing how dangerous it really is!” This is the point where you say, “Let’s both promise not to text and drive ever again”

As you know, teenagers are very smart (sometimes too smart for their own good!). But oftentimes they don’t think about the consequences of their actions. Remind them that when “someone” texts while driving, they endanger their friends, family, and everyone else they share the road with, in addition to themselves. Maybe it’s obvious, but a friendly reminder can go a long way.

Parents, let your teens know that you’re on their side- that you will do anything you can to be safer as a family. Say it and mean it. Don’t undo your conversation by setting a bad example and sneaking a text behind the wheel. It’s not worth it!

Addendum: Install ORIGOSafe™ in your family’s vehicles to establish safe driving behaviors that will last. While family discussions are a great first step, removing the phone from the driver’s hands is the ultimate goal, and the ORIGOSafe™ does just that. 

Eliminate distracted driving from our roads. Learn more about ORIGOSafe™ today!