My friend is always texting while driving. He’s had a couple close calls, but always laughs it off. What can I say to him?
You’re right to write in. Here are three reasons why:
1. When you send a text, it’s like driving the length of a football field without looking at the road.
2. Texting makes a crash up to 23 times more likely.
3. Teens who text while driving spend 10% of the time outside their lane.
So, if you’re driving with someone who texts while driving, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before those close calls can catch up.
There are 5 Ways to Get Drivers to Stop Texting that you can bring up with your friend:
The direct approach. Say, “Dude, I’m sorry, but I get really nervous when people text and drive.” Wait to see how your friend responds.Most times people will admit it’s probably not a good idea or they’ll at least put down the phone.
The subtle approach. You can try hinting by saying something like: “Here, let me type for you.”
Or, since more states are handing out tickets for texting and driving, you could say, “Dude, I just saw a cop back there. My mom’s friend just got a ticketfor texting while driving.”
The “Holy s***t, did you see that driver!” approach. You can point out drivers who wander into the next lane, drive 45 on the highway,run a stop sign, or stop at a green light. Then you can say, “Shh, that guys was probably texting…” and make up some funny reasons who you thinkhe was texting and why like, “probably heard they were selling Indian Taco’s and asked someone to get in line for him.”
The group approach. Texting drivers are more dangerous than drunk drivers. So get your group to take a stand together. You can eithersteal his keys and tell him your not getting in unless he stops texting while driving. Or, as a group you can agree not to ride with that person and lethim know why. If several people speak up, it will be easier for him to hear the message.
The life-saving approach. If none of these work and he continues to laugh you off, tell him you’re not riding with him anymore because,”My dad told me I can’t ride with you because he says you text and drive.”
If that doesn’t work tell him…“I’m going to tell your mom on you.”
Good luck!
Auntie Manda
