Teenage distracted driving: Common distractions and prevention

It’s no secret that most teenagers can’t wait to learn how to drive. Their excitement, age, and lack of experience can sometimes be a recipe for distracted driving. 

So, whether you’re parenting a teen or a teen yourself, it’s important to understand the causes of distracted driving and how to prevent it. Because when teens know how to drive safely, the whole family gets more peace of mind. 

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving comes in many forms. Pretty much anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the road is a distraction. That includes cell phones, other passengers, billboards, and more.

Let’s be clear: Some things — like driving other passengers and using a phone for directions — aren’t always dangerous. But without careful planning, they can easily distract the driver. 

Distracted driving statistics

Unfortunately, distracted driving causes many accidents. In 2020 alone, 3,142 people in the U.S. lost their lives due to distracted driving. Cell phone related accidents caused 396 of those fatalities. Another 324,652 people were injured in crashes caused by distracted drivers.

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All in all, distracted driving causes 8% to 9% of all deadly car crashes — which equates to 9 people per day. The most likely cause? Cell phones. 13% of all car accidents in the U.S. are due to cell phone use in the car. 

Greenlight tip: Whew. Distracted driving facts are heavy — but it’s important to understand the impact. Talk to your teen and other family members about the consequences of distracted driving.

Common distractions for young drivers

Distracted driving sounds like an umbrella term because, well, it is. Driving distractions, especially for young drivers, are everywhere. Inside the car, on the road, and even in their own head. That’s why it’s so important to cover this topic with teen drivers. 

Here are a few distracted driving examples to keep in mind:

Cell phones

Most teens and adults take cell phones everywhere, including the car. 

Calls, texts, app notifications, music, and directions are all reasons a driver may look at their phone in the car. Looking at a phone = not looking at the road.

Passengers

Other passengers are another cause of distracted driving. Chatting with friends and family while driving is difficult — especially for new drivers. 

Using their hands

Anything that requires a driver to take their hands off the wheel is a dangerous distraction. This includes eating, drinking, adjusting the A/C, changing the volume, plugging in their phone… you name it!

Loud noises

It’s hard for anyone to focus when there are loud noises around. Loud music, talking in the car, sirens, and construction sounds can all distract drivers. 

How to prevent texting and driving

Here at Greenlight, we know that safety is a parent’s #1 priority. And the reality of texting and driving is scary. The good news? It’s preventable. Here are a few things you can do with your teenager to help keep them safe.

1. Have open dialogue

Talk to your teen about the dangers of distracted driving and what’s most likely to cause it. Share texting and driving statistics with them and review tips for how to stop texting and driving. They’ll be more likely to accept your advice and understand the risks if they don’t feel defensive.

2. Adjust phone settings

Some smartphones have built-in prevention. For example, turn on Driving Focus mode on Apple iPhones to turn off all notifications while driving and send an automatic message to any contacts. 

3. Use a car safety app

Car safety apps track a driver’s behavior and provide recommendations for safe driving. An app — like Greenlight’s crash detection app – tracks location, phone usage, speed, and more. So you and your teen can stay informed.

4. Set communication guidelines

Set explicit guidelines for how to handle incoming texts and calls while driving. A good rule of thumb? Ask your teen to set their phone to ‘do not disturb’ while driving and text you once they arrive at their location. This will help reinforce the idea that they can communicate after they get where they’re going. 

Introduction to car safety apps

If you’re thinking, “What is a car safety app?” Let us explain. A car safety app is a phone application that provides insights and recommendations for safe driving. 

Features vary from app to app, but they typically monitor your location and phone interactions to determine whether you’re using your phone while driving. Some apps track acceleration, hard stops, phone calls, and more. After you’ve finished a drive, you can check the app — or its notifications — and see how to improve.

Greenlight’s crash detection app also provides family location sharing and alerts 911 if an accident occurs. Peace of mind? You bet.

Let’s prevent distracted driving. Together.

Distracted driving is a hard reality for all teen parents. The best way to tackle it is to talk to your teens about the causes and consequences of distracted driving. Don’t worry — you got this.

At Greenlight, we’re here to help. Download Greenlight's essential app for families to unlock location sharing, SOS alerts, and crash detection. Because we know nothing matters more than your family’s safety.