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Written by Adam Miller
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Common Distractions For Teen Drivers, Part One

Getting a driver's license marks a rite of passage for many American teenagers. While a driver's license may mean independence and freedom for teen drivers, it generally marks the beginning of a stressful and anxious time for parents as they watch their children learn how to comfortably navigate city streets, freeways, and traffic.

Teen drivers are at a higher risk for car accidents because of their inexperience on roads and highways, but also because of a larger number of distractions that most adult drivers have learned to wisely avoid. In a two-part blog series, we'll look at the top distractions for teen drivers, so parents can encourage and reinforce safe driving habits with their teens before handing over the car keys. Today's focus will be on the top two distractions for teens driving today.

Texting

In just a few short years, texting has quickly become the top distraction for teen drivers, as many rely on texting to communicate with friends and family members. According to recent government studies, texting while driving has become the leading cause of death for teenagers, with over 3,000 teen driver fatalities each year.  Although teens are quite adept at texting at a rapid speed, the distraction caused by teens looking at their phones instead of the road can lead to serious and even deadly car crashes. Texting while driving has become such a danger that many states have now banned the practice, and there are several statewide and national campaigns to encourage drivers to pull over or wait until arriving at their destination before texting. Parents should also be positive examples for their teen drivers by avoiding texting while driving themselves.

Other Passengers

Whenever one teen earns a drivers license, they often become the immediate go-to driver for all their friends without a license or a car. This can lead to lots of fun times, but can also be a major cause for distraction for the driver. Groups of teens packed into a car often crank up music, or block visibility for drivers, leading to accidents. In addition, friends can pressure teen drivers into attempting reckless maneuvers such as street racing or off-road driving. Unfortunately, a group of over 15 local teenagers were recently involved in a serious accident involving off-road driving, high rates of speed, and passengers in the bed of truck. The end result was that two teens lost their lives, with several others injured.

Teen drivers can be safe and responsible drivers, but it all starts with the proper guidance and encouragement from parents. If you have a teen driver in the family, it's important to not only teach your kids the proper, legal and safe way to operate a vehicle, but to also lead by example. Parents should also avoid driving while texting, talking on cell phones, eating, snapping selfies, or dealing with distractions from other passengers. These proactive steps of teaching and training can save your child's life. Another way to ensure your teens are protected is with quality auto insurance through Aegis. Aegis offers reliable and affordable insurance solutions for individuals, families and businesses, with a full range of policies offered. Available coverage includes Auto Insurance, Homeowners, Renters, Life, and Commercial policies. Contact Aegis today for more information at 713-850-7622 or go online for a free quote today!

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