Yes, cell phones and teen drivers are a dangerous combination, and the consequences can be deadly. Using a phone behind the wheel significantly increases a teen’s risk of a crash and is often illegal for young drivers. For instance, texting while driving makes a crash up to 23 times more likely, and novice teen drivers reaching for or dialing a phone are over 7 times more likely to crash or have a near-miss.
Many states, including Illinois, have banned any cell phone use for drivers under 18 due to these risks. As a parent, it’s critical to set a zero-tolerance rule for your teen’s phone use while driving and to model that behavior yourself. By keeping phones out of reach and focusing on the road, teens can avoid accidents, stay within the law, and keep their insurance rates low.
For more guidance on teen driver safety and insurance, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060.
Why Is Cell Phone Use So Dangerous for Teen Drivers?
Cell phone use behind the wheel is extremely dangerous for any driver, but especially for teenagers. Teens are new to driving and already at higher risk for crashes due to inexperience and a tendency to underestimate hazards. Adding a phone distraction magnifies that risk.
- Texting While Driving: Texting makes a crash 23 times more likely because it involves all three types of distraction – visual, manual, and cognitive. When reading or sending a text, a driver’s eyes are off the road for about 5 seconds, which at 55 mph means covering the length of a football field blindfolded.
- Lane Deviation: Teens who text and drive are more likely to lose focus and drift out of their lane. Studies show texting teens spend about 10% of their driving time outside their lane, dramatically increasing the chance of a collision.
- Risky Multitasking: Teen drivers using cell phones often engage in other risky driving behaviors like hard braking and rapid acceleration, which can lead to losing control or not avoiding a crash in time. In essence, a teen distracted by their phone is not fully focusing on the road – and that lapse in attention can be fatal.
- Impairment Comparable to Drunk Driving: Using a phone while driving can impair a teen driver as much as driving under the influence of alcohol. Reaction times slow significantly, and research has shown that talking on a cell phone (even hands-free) causes impairment comparable to a blood alcohol content of 0.08%. This means that a teen chatting on the phone might be as impaired as a drunk driver.
Key risk facts: Teen drivers who use phones behind the wheel are more likely to crash. Novice teen drivers reaching for or dialing a phone are 7 times more likely to crash, and texting roughly quadruples the crash risk. Over 3,300 deaths in the U.S. were caused by distracted driving in 2022, with teens being the largest age group involved in fatal crashes.
What Are the Laws on Cell Phone Use for Teen Drivers?
Due to the well-documented dangers, laws in almost every state restrict cell phone use by teen drivers. It is illegal in all 50 states (except one) to text while driving, and 36 states plus D.C. have gone further by banning all cell phone use for novice drivers (usually under 18 or during the first stage of licensing).
Illinois Law:
In Illinois, drivers under the age of 19 are prohibited from any cell phone use while driving – even with a hands-free device.
The only exception is for emergencies, such as calling 911. Illinois also bans texting or using electronic devices for all drivers of any age, with fines and penalties for violations. A teen driver in Illinois caught using a phone can be ticketed for a moving violation. If a teen driver accumulates two moving violations within 24 months, their license will be suspended.
Other states have similar or stricter penalties:
- Maryland: Teen drivers face up to 90 days of license suspension for violating the cell phone ban.
- Virginia: Teen drivers using a phone face fines up to $1,000.
- Washington, D.C.: All drivers must use only hands-free devices, with texting completely banned.
Penalties for teen drivers caught using a phone may include fines (ranging from $100 for a first offense), points on their license, and possible license suspension for repeat offenses. A distracted driving violation on record can lead to higher insurance premiums and other legal consequences, especially if an accident results from phone use.
How Does Cell Phone Use Affect Car Insurance for Teen Drivers?
Teen drivers already face higher insurance rates due to their inexperience and greater likelihood of accidents. Adding a distracted driving violation or, worse, an accident caused by phone use, can further raise insurance costs.
Insurance Impact:
- Rate Increases: A texting-while-driving violation can cause a premium increase of about 27% on average. For a teen driver, this could add hundreds of dollars to their annual premium.
- Loss of Discounts: A distracted driving violation can cause the loss of discounts such as the “good driver” or “good student” discount, making insurance costs even higher.
- Probation Period or Cancellation: A history of distracted driving could lead to probation periods or even non-renewal or cancellation of the policy.
In some cases, insurers may require teens to seek coverage through high-risk insurance pools or file for SR-22 insurance, which is often much more expensive. In contrast, keeping a clean driving record can help reduce premiums over time, and many insurers offer discounts for safe driving habits or good grades.
How Can Parents and Teens Prevent Cell Phone Distractions Behind the Wheel?
Preventing cell phone use while driving requires setting strict rules, leveraging technology, and modeling good behavior. Here are actionable strategies:
- Make a “No Phone While Driving” Rule: Parents should set a firm rule that no phone use is allowed while driving. A parent-teen driving contract can help reinforce this with clear expectations and consequences for violations.
- Lead by Example: Parents should avoid phone use while driving to model safe behavior. Teens are more likely to follow safe driving habits when they see their parents practicing them.
- Use Technology: Activate “Do Not Disturb While Driving” modes or apps that block texting and calling when the car is moving. Some apps can alert parents if the teen disables this feature.
- Keep the Phone Out of Reach: Teens should place their phones in a location they can’t easily access, such as the glove compartment or the back seat, to avoid temptation.
- Plan for Emergencies: Teach your teen what to do if they need to take an urgent call or text—stop the car in a safe location and handle the communication only when the vehicle is fully stopped.
- Hands-Free Isn’t Risk-Free: While hands-free devices are safer than handheld phones, they still pose a distraction. It’s best for teens to minimize any phone use while driving, and conversations should be kept brief.
FAQ: Teen Drivers and Cell Phone Use
Q: Why does using a cell phone while driving increase the risk of accidents for teen drivers?
A: Cell phones distract teen drivers by taking their eyes, hands, and mind off the road. Texting makes a crash 23 times more likely, and it significantly slows reaction times, making teens more likely to drift out of their lane or miss traffic signals.
Q: Are there laws that prohibit teen drivers from using cell phones?
A: Yes. Most states, including Illinois, have laws that ban all cell phone use by novice or teen drivers. This includes texting, talking, and using social media while driving.
Q: What happens if my teen is caught texting or using a phone while driving?
A: Teens face fines, points on their license, and possible suspension for repeated offenses. Additionally, a distracted driving violation can increase their insurance premiums and affect their driving record.
Q: How can I stop my teen from using their phone while driving?
A: Set clear rules, use technology like “Do Not Disturb” modes, keep the phone out of reach, and lead by example. Positive reinforcement and educational tools can also help your teen understand the dangers of distracted driving.
Q: Is using a “hands-free” device or Bluetooth OK for teen drivers?
A: Hands-free devices are less dangerous than handheld phones but still cause distractions. Many states ban hands-free phone use for teens, so it’s better for them to focus entirely on driving.
Q: What should a teen do if they need to respond to a call or text while driving?
A: They should pull over and park in a safe spot before responding. Using a phone while driving is illegal and highly dangerous, even at stop signs or red lights.
Q: How does cell phone use while driving affect insurance for a teen driver?
A: Cell phone use can lead to a significant increase in insurance premiums and may result in the loss of discounts or even policy cancellation. Staying phone-free while driving helps keep insurance rates manageable.
Get a Quote Today!
For more guidance on teen driver safety or to explore insurance options that reward safe driving, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060. We’re here to help keep your teen safe and protected on the road.