No doubt you have heard and seen the advertising campaigns about texting and driving.  Many states have passed laws with huge fines associated with texting and driving and the use of cell phones and driving.  Teens are the most dangerous drivers and they are very easily distracted.

Texting requires visual, manual and cognitive (involving conscious thinking and reasoning) attention.  This is why texting is so dangerous when driving.

Check this out:

• About 75% of all teens have a cell phone
• 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash.
• Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent-at 55 mph-of driving the length of an entire football field, blind.
• Texting while driving increases your chance of being in an accident 23 times

So what can you do as parents?   Set a good example.  Put your cell phone away when driving and do not take it out until you reach your destination.  If you do talk on your cell phone while driving make sure you use a hands free devise.  Never text while driving. Talk to your teen about safe driving.  If your teen does not drive safely, take away his/her driving privileges.

Reference:  http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/facts-and-statistics.html