Protecting Safety: When Your Parents Text and Drive

It's a common issue many young people face: parents who continue to text and drive despite knowing the dangers. This behavior not only endangers their own lives but also puts others at risk, including the children in the car. Learn how to handle such a situation effectively and ensure everyone's safety.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Texting while driving is a serious issue that can have severe consequences. It takes the driver's attention away from the road, making it difficult to react to sudden changes or other vehicles on the road. Distracted driving is responsible for a significant number of accidents, some of which can result in serious injury or even fatalities.

How to Address the Issue

Handling the situation with your parent can be challenging, but it's crucial to ensure everyone's safety. Here are some steps you can take:

Direct Confrontation: Speak Up and Take Action

Talk to your dad about the safety concerns. Explain to him why texting and driving is dangerous and how it puts you at risk. Use the following script as a guide:

"Dad, you are breaking the law and I refuse to be part of your ignorant behavior. If you can't abide by the laws, I will step up and take lawful actions like an adult would, and report it. Please abide by the rules for your own safety and the safety of others."

Be firm and assertive, but also respectful. Let your mom know that her encouragement of this behavior is not acceptable. If she refuses to take your safety seriously, consider reporting the issue to a child support agency, as threatening a child is indeed an unacceptable behavior.

Using Safety Precautions: Enforce Rules in the Car

Implement a strict rule in the car: the driver must ONLY drive while all other controls, knobs, the heater, radio, and phones belong to the passengers. If your dad continues to use his phone,:

Yell, “Look out!” when he uses his phone. Video the incident if he won’t stop. Share the video with your parents and, if necessary, with law enforcement or child protective services. Inform your mom and dad that if your dad does not stop, he will be reported to child protective services and the state patrol.

Suggest that your dad avoids using his phone while driving altogether. If he continues to be a risk, he should pull over or stop before using his phone. Make it clear that he is an adult who is putting you and others at risk by driving distractedly. It's your right to find your own way to sports if he continues this behavior.

Educate and Shock with Real-Life Stories

For some parents, statistics and laws may not be enough to change their behavior. In such cases, providing shocking real-life stories can be effective:

Research stories of crashes caused by distracted driving, especially those involving children in the car. Sharing such stories can provide a powerful wake-up call for your dad. Consider displaying a photo of a crashed vehicle on the steering wheel, with a message explaining the consequences of distracted driving. This can serve as a daily reminder of the dangers. When your dad sees the photo, share a brief narrative, such as, "The driver was texting but luckily, the driver survived a scare. Unfortunately, a child was killed or seriously injured in the crash."

Keep the conversation respectful and allow the moment to sink in. If his behavior does not change, you may need to consider alternate transportation or quitting sports, as safety should always be the top priority.

Conclusion

Addressing the issue of texting and driving with your parents can be emotional and difficult. However, taking a firm and respectful stance can help ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Remember, the people who put you in danger by driving distractedly are negligent adults, and your safety is the most important.

Stay safe and proactive in promoting road safety!