New Apps for Parents May Decrease Teen Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a nationwide problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 9 people are killed and more than 1,060 people are injured in distracted driving accidents each day. For many, cell phone use and text messaging are the most alarming and dangerous forms of distracted driving, commanding a driver’s visual, manual, and cognitive attention simultaneously. Teenagers, statistics reveal, are one of the largest demographics involved in accidents involving cell phone distraction. In fact, the NHTSA estimates that roughly 21% of teens involved in fatal car accidents were distracted by cell phones.

Because the risks posed by distracted driving are so incredibly great, and because teens are prone to being constantly engaged in their cell phones, many safety advocates throughout Missouri and the country have pushed for intensified distracted driving laws. Many states have banned cell phone use for all drivers, and many more prohibit younger drivers from using cell phones behind the wheel. Currently, Missouri bans texting for all novice drivers under the age of 21.

As legislation in Missouri has yet to ban cellphone use by all drivers – as a majority of states throughout the country have – many safety advocates are finding new ways to reduce the risks of distracted driving by teens. One such method has arrived in the form of smartphone apps controlled by parents. These apps use technology that allow parents to monitor their teen’s driving behavior and even prevent the use of cellphones behind the wheel. Several apps alert parents when teens are using their smartphones while driving. Some can be used to block incoming and outgoing texts when a teen is driving above a certain speed.

Makers of these apps believe that they can benefit drivers of all ages, not just teens. Distracted driving has been referred to as a national epidemic, and everyone should take the time to reconsider their driving behaviors and the importance of remaining aware on the roads. As distracted driving is negligent and dangerous, victims injured is distraction-affected crashes may have a right to recover their damages by filing a personal injury claim.

For more information about your rights after a car accident – including distracted driving accidents, call Several apps alert parents when teens are using their smartphones while driving. Some can be used to block incoming and outgoing texts when a teen is driving above a certain speed.

For more information about your rights after an auto accident – including distracted driving accidents, call (816) 531-4415 or contact us online to speak with a Kansas City car accident lawyer at Wendt Law Firm P.C.