Distracted driving is very, well…distracting. And the results of distracted driving can be catastrophic. But how do we improve the trends of increasing distracted driving statistics? How do we teach new drivers and young adults about the dangers of distracted driving? We asked a teen driver to share her experience and lessons learned after she went through an interactive session on this tough topic. This post will further explain this topic.
Special thanks to guest writer Jayla Oncale
Distracted driving
We all know how dangerous distracted driving is. Yet people still fall into the trap of distractions.
Common driving distractions include talking and texting on cell phones, eating and drinking, interacting with passengers, adjusting in-car infotainment or GPS systems, and personal grooming.
D.U.N.K. Driving
Teaching teens and young adults about the dangers of distracted driving is hard. But this group has the potential to improve the future of driver safety. We recently learned about a fun way being used to teach young people about distracted driving.
According to their website, D.U.N.K. combines dynamic basketball performers along with an educational and informational message on the dangers of distracted driving.
The organization continues on to explain that “distracted driving for young drivers accounts for a majority of accidents in the United States. Whether it is texting, talking with their friends, or driving under the influence, inexperienced teenage driving is something every community grapples with.”
Local high schoolers get to D.U.N.K.
Thibodaux High School in southeastern Louisiana welcomed the D.U.N.K. crew to a student assembly.
The students got to experience an interactive lesson on distracted driving. The school posted about it on their Facebook page. We asked one of their students to describe the lessons learned.
What did the students think?
Thibodaux High School student Jayla Oncale described her experience:
Through the D.U.N.K presentation we learned the importance of being focused when operating a motor vehicle. The D.U.N.K players performed dynamic basketball tricks while explaining the importance of being aware of your surroundings and what you are trying to accomplish.
Students were asked to volunteer to assist in throwing the basketball to be dunked. While helping, one of the students was asked to hold their cell phone while attempting to throw the ball. Instead of throwing the ball, the student was distracted by the cell phone. This demonstrates how not paying attention can affect both your reaction time and overall outcome.
Jayla’s advice on teaching new drivers about the dangers of distracted driving
Jayla continued her writing by including some great advice for adults and parents:
Becoming a new driver can be scary but when made aware of the risks, certain incidents can be avoided. Adults should focus on the irreversible outcome of distracted driving. Teaching children from a young age the dangers of the road can lead to more mindful driving habits in their future.
Adults also need to assure they are setting a good example for new drivers. Children often watch their parents or guardians perform tasks and want to be just like them. When it comes to distracted driving NO ONE should take part in the risk.
Contact us about ignition interlock device installation
Jayla offered some excellent advice for all of us. We wish we had tools to help reduce distracted driving. But we do have tools to help reduce impaired driving.
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