Teens learn dangers of texting while driving

[pam]

While this article is about a program in North Carolina, Utah is another state that has put new laws on the books concerning texting. I wish Utah would add a program to drivers education such as the one mentioned in this article to show teens just how dangerous it is. As the article states, if even one teen out of five realizes the danger it would be worth it.

My own daughter is one that rear ended someone because she was texting. Unfortunately she still doesn't get it. Unfortunately I also realize what it's going to take for her to wake up to it.

ksl.com - Teens learn dangers of texting while driving

[not_ashamed]

Great article thanks for sharing it. I think its a great way to teach kids the dangers, especially here in North Carolina. We have a very high rate of teen accidents as it is. Not too long ago we had 4 teens killed in 4 separate accidents in a weeks time. They all seem to happen in the same county.This isn't the first time we have had several accidents by teens in short periods of time in that county. We have lots and lots of back country curvy roads that can be dangerous even for experienced drivers. Much less a texting teen, come to think of it,. it may not be a bad idea to put some adults through this course. Some of them are just as bad as teens are about texting and driving.

[pam]

Totally agree that adults could use this as well.

[Mahone]

I thought it was obvious personally, but it still amazes me how many people I admire and consider to be deep thinking people will still whip out their phone and chat away while driving. I've never witnessed someone texting at the wheel thankfully. If it got to that stage, I'd ask them to stop the car and let me out.

[pam]

I will be one to admit that I can't do both. At least I am willing to admit it.

[Mahone]

I will be one to admit that I can't do both. At least I am willing to admit it.

Many people probably haven't even considered the danger of talking on a phone at the same time as driving. Using a hands free kit is usually legal in most places, but it doesn't take away most of the distraction factor and being legal doesn't necessarily mean being safe. As an example, in the UK a lot of roads have a "national speed limit" applied, which means you can go up to 60MPH. But as any sensible driver will tell you, most roads with the national speed limit applied are winding country roads and in a lot of cases, you shouldn't even go 30MPH down them, let alone 60. It requires common sense, and often that means going above and beyond what is the legal requirement.

[pam]

I have tried the hands free approach..but when talking I'm still concentrating on the conversation and not really on what's going on around me while driving. That's just talking. I can't even imagine trying to text at the same time as driving.

[ADoyle90815]

There are also many adults who need to learn about the dangers of texting and driving. In my state, it's against the law to use anything but a hands-free device, but it's not really enforced, and the fine isn't expensive enough IMO to discourage people from talking or texting while driving.

[Chalkboard247]

Yes, texting and driving is a horrible thing that causes many deaths each year. Check out this website...it has everything from statistics to pictures, and even videos. Make sure to click the ads if you like what you see, could always use a little support!

Texting While Driving Statistics

Thanks again!

[Hemidakota]

Totally agree that adults could use this as well.

Here, here Pam...excellent article. Thanks

"The NRC estimates that 28 percent of crashes _ or 1.6 million per year _ are caused by cell phone use, either talking or texting."