Okay, teens, it may be time to take the wheel—away from your parents.
That’s according to a recent survey by conducted by AT&T and published in USA Today. The survey found that 49% of adult drivers admit to texting behind the wheel compared to 43% of teens in the survey that admitted the same.
Why are parents compromising their safety and the safety of others?
Another eye-opener: The survey suggest that while 98% of the adult respondents said they knew texting or emailing while driving was unsafe, 43% of all the respondents said it was a “habit,” while 22% said they “like to stay connected,” and 18% said “it makes me more productive.”
While we applaud the respondents’ honesty, we are surprised at this reasoning. After all, how “connected” and “productive” can any driver be once they are dead? Yes texting and driving is that offensive and that serious.
So what can you do if you are addicted to your devices even while driving? Do something now—at least one thing—to make some positive changes.
- Put your phone in the trunk before you get in the car.
- Confess to your family and ask them to help you and call you out on your texting habits.
- Listen to books-on-tape or talk radio while driving.
- Use your drive time for meditation or quiet.
Here are some powerful technology solutions we posted earlier this year that will help keep your whole family from the temptation to text and drive.
Remember, your kids are watching you and forming safe (or not so safe) digital habits. Please. Do not text and drive.