Key Takeaways
- 7 in 10 teens admit to using their phones while driving, often for about 20% of their total drive time
- Taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds at 55 mph equals driving a football field blindfolded
- 58% of teen crashes involve distraction, according to AAA Foundation research
- Texting while driving increases crash risk by up to 23 times
- Parental modeling and clear family rules are among the most effective ways to reduce teen distracted driving
- Technology tools like drive modes and parental controls can remove temptation and support safer habits
In November 2024, a ferry carrying 267 passengers suddenly ran aground just off South Korea’s coast.
The crash was alarming because ferry crashes are fairly rare. It would require something pretty catastrophic to cause the shop to go off course enough to smash into the coast.
So, what caused this ferry to go aground? The helmsman admitted that he’d been on his phone and missed the point where he was supposed to change course.
Thankfully, everyone was rescued, but 27 people were injured. The incident brought back painful memories of the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster that killed more than 300 people.
This wasn’t a teenager behind the wheel. It was an experienced maritime professional with hours of experience and training. Yet that momentary distraction nearly cost 267 or more lives.
Now imagine your teen – a newly licensed driver who is still developing their driving skills – facing the same temptation every time their phone buzzes. How much more risky is this scenario?
This is the reality of teen distracted driving. It’s something every parent needs to understand – not to frighten you from ever giving your teen the keys to your car, but to empower you with the knowledge and tools to keep your young driver safe.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Anyone who has driven knows what distracted driving is, because it’s become one of the most difficult habits to break.
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road. This includes texting, talking on a cell phone, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or even chatting with passengers.
For teen drivers, who are already trying to figure out the learning curve of operating a motor vehicle, these distractions can be especially dangerous.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the data that should shock us all: taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 mph is like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
For a teen still developing their reaction time and hazard awareness, those five seconds can change everything.
Why Teen Drivers Face Higher Risk
What makes young drivers particularly vulnerable?
The first is the fact that new drivers are just that : new.
Novice drivers have crash rates roughly three to four times higher per mile than older, more experienced drivers. Their brains are still developing the executive function needed for complex decision-making.
And perhaps most significantly, they’ve grown up with smartphones as constant companions. It’s not just a tool that some need to find their way around town. It’s a psychological connection that many feel drawn to at all times.
Research shows that drivers aged 16-24 have the highest observed rates of manipulating handheld devices while driving. About 6.5% were observed doing so in 2022. Compared to other age groups, young adults and teens are significantly more likely to drive distracted.
What Teens Are Doing on Their Phones while Driving
As you can imagine, when high school students use their phones while driving, it’s not always for the reasons you’d expect.
Recent research found that 7 in 10 teens admit to using or taking long glances at their phones while driving – often for about 20% of their total drive time.
What are they doing? Entertainment like music and social media accounts for 65% of phone use while driving. Texting comes in at 40%, and navigation or map use at 30%.
Perhaps most ironic? 55% of teens who text while driving say they’re doing it to update their parents.
An AAA Foundation study using in-car cameras revealed something even more alarming: distractions were a factor in 58% of teen crashes observed.
When teens used their phones, they looked away from the road for an average of 4 of the last 6 seconds before impact. In about half of rear-end crashes, there was no reaction at all.
They never even saw it coming.
Interestingly, surveys show that 48% of teens text more when they’re alone in the car, perhaps feeling less accountable without a friend driving alongside or parents watching.
Another 37% report texting to coordinate or confirm plans with friends. These moments of social connection feel urgent to teens – but they can wait until the car is safely parked.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving for Teens
The consequences of risky driving behaviors are measured in more than just statistics.
Every day, nine deaths occur in crashes reported to involve a distracted driver, according to the CDC. In 2023, distracted driving deaths reached 3,275 people across all age groups.
The risk multiplies dramatically with certain activities.
Text messaging can increase crash risk by up to 23 times.
Even dialing a phone increases the likelihood of a crash sixfold.
These numbers represent families forever changed, teens who never made it home, passengers and pedestrians who were simply in the wrong place.
In the US in 2023, 3,823 teen drivers aged 15-19 were involved in fatal crashes. Of those, 267 were confirmed to be distracted at the time.
And while that 7% might seem small, remember: these are only the cases where distraction could be definitively identified. The real number is almost certainly higher, as cell phone use is notoriously difficult to prove after a death or serious injury crash.
And it’s not just about talking or texting. Other risky driving behaviors, like eating, drinking, or reaching for items in the car, all contribute to motor vehicle crashes. For teens who might also be dealing with passengers, loud music, or friends in the vehicle, each additional distraction compounds the danger.
Are there Distracted Driving Laws?
State laws around cell phone use while driving have evolved significantly.
Currently, 49 US states plus D.C. ban texting for all drivers. 31 states and D.C. prohibit handheld phone use entirely. And 36 states have specific bans on any cell phone use by young or novice drivers through Graduated Driver Licensing programs.
Many countries explicitly make it illegal to hold or manipulate a phone while driving; examples include Argentina, Australia (all states and territories), Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, the Netherlands, the U.K., and others.
Distracted driving penalties vary by jurisdiction – but they include fines, points on your license, increased insurance rates, and even license suspension for repeat offenses.
But laws alone aren’t enough to address distracted driving. Enforcement happens on the road, but safe driving habits start at home.
What Parents Can Do to Encourage Distraction-Free Driving
The good news? Parents have far more influence over their teen’s driving behaviors than they may realize.
Research consistently shows that parental involvement is one of the most effective ways to reduce traffic crashes among young drivers.
Model the Behavior You Want to See
Your teen has been watching you drive for years. If you check your phone at stoplights or take calls while driving, they’ve noticed. Commit to distraction-free driving yourself – it’s the most powerful example you can set.
Establish Clear Family Rules Around Digital Use
Before your teen gets their license, establish a family policy! You can keep it simple or build it like you would for a company policy for driving.
This might include keeping phones in the glove compartment, using Do Not Disturb while driving modes, or designating a passenger to handle navigation and music.
Have the Conversation…
Don’t be afraid to speak openly with your teen about the dangers of distracted driving. Share the statistics.
If you see a news story about a distracted driving accident, use it as a conversation starter as appropriate. Help them understand that it’s not just about trust; it’s about their safety.
… and Keep the Conversation Going
Don’t assume one conversation is enough. Continue to raise awareness about distracted driving dangers as your teen gains experience.
Don’t forget to check in after they’ve been driving with friends. Ask if they’ve noticed distractions or felt tempted to check their phone. Keep the dialogue open – and be ready to talk about anything your teen wants to chat about.
Use Technology to Support Safe Habits
One of the most effective tools in your parenting toolkit is the same technology that creates the distraction: the phone itself.
Parental control apps like Kidslox can help remove the temptation by enabling drive modes that limit phone functionality while your teen is behind the wheel. These tools work alongside your conversations and modeling, giving your teen an extra layer of support in building good habits.
Think of it this way: even the most responsible teen will face moments of temptation. A notification from a friend, an update from their favorite app, a text that feels urgent. In-car technology solutions can reinforce the boundaries you’ve already discussed as a family.
Many teens actually appreciate having the task of resisting distraction taken off their plate entirely. When the phone simply won’t buzz with social notifications or allow scrolling, the driver’s attention can stay where it belongs: on the road.
Protecting Your Teen Driver Starts With You
Handing over the car keys is a milestone that fills parents with pride (and plenty of anxiety!)
The fears that come with teen distracted driving don’t have to keep you up at night, but they do deserve your attention and action.
Remember that ferry helmsman who looked away at exactly the wrong moment? He was an adult with years of experience. Your teen is just starting out.
By combining clear expectations, open conversations, good modeling, and supportive technology like drive mode features and parental controls, you’re giving them the best possible foundation for safe driving habits that will last a lifetime..
Want to learn more about distracted driving to help you have the conversation with your teen? For further study on teen driving safety and transportation statistics, visit the NHTSA’s teen driving resources or explore how Kidslox can help your family build healthier digital habits both on and off the road!
Let’s lead the way in staying safe on the road. Together, we can create a world where digital devices don’t lead to tragedy.
