“The first six months are the most risky because of their inexperience level. New drivers haven’t really formed their concrete habits for driving; it’s a learning experience,” said Julie Dunn, training manager and owner of Driver Ed Academy in West Chester Twp. and Colerain.
According to Dunn, around 50 percent of teens get into some sort of driving incident within their first year of driving — a statistic that decreases with years of experience. Driving at nighttime, on weekends and with additional passengers can further impair a teenage driver’s abilities behind the wheel.
“They just haven’t yet mastered their driving techniques,” Dunn said. “My belief is just because someone passes the exam for the state of Ohio doesn’t mean they’re a really good driver yet. It takes a while to build those habits. New drivers don’t have the habits of an experienced driver yet.”
Experts say there are apps available for cell phones to prevent teens from texting when they drive. When a car is in motion, the app won’t let a driver use their phone.
AT&T has the DriveMode app that when enabled will send automatic replies to anyone who texts the recipient’s phone. It also silences all calls, texts and emails.
The free DriveSafe Mode app is available for iPhones. It will email a parent if the driver’s phone is in use and their vehicle is in motion. Textecution for Android devices will disable texting while driving, but it’s pricey at $29.99.
There are also units you actually plug into the car that monitors the person’s driving.
Safe Watch Solutions, MotoSafety, Car Checkup and more can be purchased online, and most require consumers to pay a monthly fee.
One mobile app, Tag-N-Go, for about $10 a month will give your teen driver a driving grade, and an in-depth look at how safe they really area behind the wheel.
“I think that if parents feel that (downloading these apps) is necessary, it could be very useful, especially in the first six months of a child having a driver’s license and cell phone,” Dunn said. “They could help students be held more accountable for their actions. You can’t force somebody to do something, but I think if kids are educated and understand the dangers, they’ll think twice. Phones are a good way to communicate, but you have to be smart about it.”
But will younger drivers balk at the ever watchful eye?
Emily Cramer, a 17-year-old driver from West Chester Twp., received her driver’s license last July. Cramer believes that smartphone apps like these would remind her classmates not to text while operating their vehicles.
“I think that a lot of my peers would stop texting and driving if their parents downloaded these apps on their phones,” Cramer said. “They would definitely serve as a reminder to them to stay focused on the road.”
Staff Writer Rachel Murray contributed to this report.
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