Finding Ways to Break the Habit of Texting and Driving

Who hasn’t heard that texting and driving don’t mix? Certainly, by now, we all know that it’s a dangerous distraction. So, why are we still doing it? Isn’t that the question of the decade!

Why is it dangerous?

We know that texting is a quadruple threat for teens because it takes at least one hand off the wheel, eyes off the road (even for a second), your mind off of the task of driving, and teens are already at a disadvantage because they are inexperienced (no getting around that!).

An approach to safe roads

What does it take to break a habit that many teens have had for years – texting – when they start driving? With any driving law, we strive for a 2-prong approach: education and enforcement. Let people know it’s against the law and if they persist, ticket them. For many, this works but others have a harder time.

Helping each other

What else can we do? We at TDS believe friends can also encourage each other to break the texting habit. Here’s some tips:

• Don’t let someone off the hook for driving distracted. Nag them until they can’t listen to you any longer and stop doing it just to make you hush.
• Let them know you care about them
• Put down your own law – if you’re in the car, cell phones are put away
• Be the designated texter
• Don’t text or call someone when you know they are driving
• Reward yourself or someone else for playing it safe. Cookies and kudos for no texting!
• Live by example. You can’t say don’t, then do it yourself.
• Practice self-restraint knowing it makes you a stronger person

What are some ways you’ve kicked the habit? How have you encouraged friends? We want to know!