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Texting behind wheels spells disaster

The problem of texting while driving is especially critical among teenage drivers.

Statistics from many countries show that those under 20 years of age account for the largest percentage of distracted drivers.

Parents should educate their children about the dangers of texting behind the wheel. They should also set an example to the younger generation by refraining from using mobile phones while driving.

According to a Parent Teacher Association Survey in the US, 69% of parents of teenage drivers practice at least two dangerous or distracting behaviours while driving. Dads are especially guilty, with 75% of those surveyed admitting the guilt.

“Youngsters have seen us exhibit bad behaviour. How will they understand the inherent dangers if we are not serious about it? We must become good examples,” a report accompanying the Survey said.

Some useful tips

When you know that your teenage son or daughter may be driving, do not call just for a chat. Always ask if he or she is behind the wheels and say that you would call back later.

If there is an emergency, ask the teenager to pull over if possible and ask him or her to return your call when it is safe to do so.

Tools are available for parents to promote safe driving. Parents and children can do more to encourage safe driving.

Community drive

I urge parents to participate in a commentary exercise with teenage drivers to reinforce the dangers of texting while driving. Parents should drive with them in the passenger seat, take an unfamiliar route, and pay attention to hazards often overlooked by youngsters, including a hidden driveway, children playing near the street and so on.

Most people think they are good in multitasking but research proves otherwise.

The New Zealand Transport Authority should educate all drivers on the dos and don’ts to promote road and driver safety.

Experts agree that you make more decisions while driving than at any other time. To slow down or to speed up involves multiple decisions and you make hundreds of decisions while on the road.

Such decision can lead to an emergency, from which you may not be able to emerge safely.

I believe that people know how to drive safely but they choose not to do so.

Raj Venkatesh is a banker by profession and a passionate writer on community issues. He is a Membership Coordinator for the National Party in the New Lynn Electorate.

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