Distracted Driving Among Teens

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - If you have not done it already you should talk to your teens about the consequences of distracted driving.

If you think about it, we do a great job discussing the importance of not drinking and driving and clearly this is crucial but when it comes to distracted driving we might be missing the boat.

Here are some tips that I think are very important: establish safety rules, including forbidding talking with a handheld or texting on the phone while driving. One option might be to have everyone in the family sign a pledge form to drive without distraction.

There are many new laws being put into place to deal with this issue largely because of all of the automobile accidents. It makes sense to become familiar with your state's laws about distracted driving, and educate your teen about the legal consequences of distracted driving.

Remember, kids watch what you are doing as well. Be a good role model.