How to Prevent Teenage Distracted Driving

6 Ways Teens Can Avoid Distracted Driving

According to one recent study, drivers between the ages of 18 to 24 use their phones roughly two dozen times for every 100 miles that they drive. In particular, drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 have a reputation for using their phones or otherwise succumbing to distractions while behind the wheel. What can you do as a teen driver to stay focused on the road while you're driving?

Put the Phone Down

Perhaps the best thing that you can do for yourself is to put your cellphone away while your car is moving. There are many apps available that will limit the types of phone actions that you can engage in while driving. Typically, these apps only allow you to get directions or make emergency calls until you get to your destination. It's generally preferable to make use of voice command systems or heads-up displays to make phone calls or check messages while driving. However, it is important to remember that hands-free technology can also be distracting. If you are hurt by someone who was on their phone when an accident occurred, an Allentown injury lawyer may be able to help with your case.

Limit the Number of Passengers in Your Car

It may be in your best interests to limit the number of passengers you allow in your vehicle at any given time. Such a rule will mean fewer people trying to talk to you, show you funny videos or otherwise take your focus off the road. You will also be less tempted to look behind to answer a question from someone in the back seat if there are no rear passengers.  

Make Sure to Eat Before You Leave Home

It always seems like there is never enough time in the day to grab a decent meal. In the morning, you may only have a few minutes to get ready for school. In the afternoon or evening, you might only have a few minutes to get to work or sports practice. However, do yourself a favor by allocating more time to eat or change your clothes before you turn on the car and get on the highway. This will prevent in-car eating and wardrobe changes, which usually require you to take a hand off the steering wheel or your eyes from the road.

Adjust Everything Before You Start Driving

Before you start driving is the time to adjust your mirrors, adjust your seat and adjust the temperature in your car. Furthermore, this should be the time when you put an address into your navigation system or load a playlist to your car's radio. By taking care of these little things before you drive away, you will have a more comfortable ride while staying focused on the road.

Don't Worry About Dropping Something Between the Seats

There is a chance that you will drop your wallet, phone or some other object between the seats while you are driving. The last thing that you want to do is to reach for an object before coming to a complete stop. While you might eventually get your phone or wallet, you may also cause your car to swerve into another lane of traffic in the process. Therefore, it is better to simply pull over or into a parking lot where you can get whatever you need during your journey.

Stay Calm If You See a Bug

While it may seem foolish in hindsight, it is not uncommon for accidents to occur because a driver was surprised by a bug or bee in the car or a rodent on the road. If you do see something crawling or flying around your vehicle, open a door or window. In most cases, whatever is inside of your vehicle will exit without causing any harm. If you are in need of an Allentown injury lawyer, contact the legal professionals at Metzger & Kleiner at your earliest convenience. The number for our office in Lehigh Valley is (610) 435-7400.