STRAIGHT TALK FOR TEENS

Call out driver who is texting

5/24/2012

Dear Straight Talk: A friend won't stop texting when she drives and it makes me nervous. She is the only friend I have with a car and I can't get around without her. How can I get her to stop without alienating her? -- "Rose," Vacaville, Calif.

Ryann, 15: I feel your pain. As a freshman, I rely on older friends and teammates to get around. They ALL use their phones and text while driving. It's usually at red lights and stop signs, but not always. It makes me nervous, but if I asked them to stop they would probably refuse rides to "the freshman." But honestly, we need to speak up!

Colin, 18: You are smart to be concerned. Texting while driving is illegal, dangerous, and kills people. But fools just roll their eyes and rationalize their behavior in a million different ways. Be prepared for hearing how careful SHE is, how it's not dangerous when SHE does it. It's total hogwash.

Taylor, 15: My mom has the same bad habit. I take the phone and finish her texts. You could do the same. Also, citing statistics may scare your friend into stopping.

Sarah, 20: Most people text and drive. My parents, my sister, my friends. I'm an exception. It's not just at red lights either. Whenever their phones make a noise, they feel compelled to engage. And it's not just texting, they check bank accounts, restaurant reviews, Facebook. They don't let "mere" driving interfere with technology.

Katie, 19: I'll admit, I sometimes text -- usually just a quick "k" or "yeah." However, with a passenger, I let them text for me so they're not nervous. If needed, my friends won't hesitate to grab my phone or the wheel, and I'm glad for that.

Gregg, 21: I and my friends all text and drive. It's totally common. I don't mind it if the driver can pay attention to the road, but for ditzier drivers, it's super dangerous. Ask your friend to wait for a red light, or text for her. Don't sit there quietly!

Brandon, 20: I don't use cell phones at all while driving. It's just plain stupid. I was in a crash with a girl using her phone throughout the drive. We live rurally with little traffic, but a car cut us off. She didn't brake fast enough and totaled the guy's car in front of us. She's still making court-settlement payments. Whenever drivers start using their phones, I tell them bluntly that the ticket will equal their cell phone bill for the next year. If your friend won't stop, find another ride! Your life is more valuable than a text message.

Nicole, 21: My friend and I drive to school together every day. If she even touches her phone I tell her to put it down or I offer to text for her. Texting while driving has ended hundreds of lives. Be straightforward! Tell her to either pull over or let you operate her phone.

Dear Rose: Yikes. True confessions about a society-wide sickness. Even with stiffer laws and penalties (which are helping), the ultimate fix is personal.

You are 23 times more likely to get in a wreck riding with a texting driver. You -- and all passengers -- need to be like Nicole and Brandon and call out drivers who reach for their phones.

If it's done straightforwardly, it won't alienate. The habit has taken people over and having a rider say "no" is valuable. Use the phrase, "Friends don't let friends drive distracted." If your friend counters with how safe SHE is, roll YOUR eyes and take her phone. Or refuse to ride. -- Lauren

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