Is your friend on their phone while driving? 5 ways to stop this without getting hurt! (Let's talk about Texting and Driving)

Nowadays, we all have a `Smart Phone` in our hands. So, `chatting` with friends and checking `social media` have become a common thing. But sometimes, there are people who do these things even while `driving`. Isn't it really scary? If you see your friend or relative `using` their `phone` while `driving`, you might feel scared too. But how do you tell them not to do it? Let's talk about that today.

Why is ``Texting and Driving'' so dangerous?

Simply put, texting while driving is like driving with your eyes closed. Think about it, where should your full attention be? On the road, on the cars in front of you, on the people on the road, right? When you look at your phone, that attention is completely lost. Even if you look at your phone for a few seconds, your car will have moved several meters forward in those few seconds. Anything can happen in the meantime.

Some studies have found that texting while driving is sometimes even more dangerous than driving drunk! Because your reaction time, which is the time it takes to see something and react quickly, is significantly reduced.

Imagine, if you were the one `driving` and you were `typing` a `message` on your `phone` and suddenly a small child jumped out in front of you, or a dog crossed the road, or the car in front suddenly braked... Oh, you can't even imagine something like that, right? That's why we take this so seriously. This is something that puts not only your life, but also the lives of others in danger.

How can we tell him this without hurting him?

Okay, now we know how dangerous this is. But the person driving could be a good friend, a relative, or someone you respect. It might be a little difficult to tell someone like that. You might think, "Would he be angry? Would he think the wrong way about me?" But remember, your safety is the most important thing. So let's see how to say this in a friendly way that he understands. Here are some ways:

1. Shall we talk directly? (The Direct Approach)

Sometimes, it's best to be direct, but loving, rather than harsh. You could say something like this:

"Sorry [friend's name/brother/sister], but I get really scared/upset when you text while you're driving."

Just listen to what he says. Most of the time, any sensible person will understand, "Oh, yeah, this is not a good thing." Or at least put the phone aside for you. The most important thing is to say what's on your mind honestly, but without getting angry, and calmly. Make him understand that you care about his safety.

2. Let's try to find out the value of the money? (The Subtle Approach)

If it's too difficult to say it directly, or if the driver is a bit sensitive, you can say it in a slightly indirect way. Here are some ways to get the point across without offending:

• Offer to help: "Since you're driving, can I type the message for you?" This will help him understand that you're talking about him texting.
• Remind yourself about the police: "I saw a lot of police on the street today. It doesn't seem like a good idea to be texting at this time, does it?" Try saying something like that. No one likes to get a ticket.
• Point out things on the road: Point out things he might miss (or just barely avoid) because he's on his phone while driving. Ask him something like, "Oh, look at that dog crossing the road! Didn't you see that?" Or, "Did you see that beautiful flower pot right by the store?" That way, he'll know where his attention was.
• Send a message to the person who is texting: If the person you are driving is texting someone you know, ask for the phone and send a message yourself, saying, "He's driving, let's talk later."
• Talk about your fear (if he's joking): Maybe the driver will tease you by asking something like, "Why are you so scared?" Take advantage of it. Say, "Yes, I'm really scared of texting while driving. We don't even know if the person in front of you or the person behind you is doing it."

3. The "Wow, look at that bad driver!" Approach

This can be a bit of fun, and a great way to get your driver's attention back on the road. Talk about the bad driving of others on the road.

• People who change lanes all of a sudden.
• People going about 40 on the highway.
• People who ignore a `stop sign`.
• People who are stopped at the green light.

Point out people like this and say things like, "Oh my god, I don't know who they're texting." Then your driver will have to pay attention to his surroundings, instead of staring at his phone screen.

4. Let's say it together as a group? (The Group Approach)

If not just you, but everyone else in the car thinks that the driver's job is dangerous, everyone should get together and talk about it.

• Take the keys: Just like taking the car keys from someone who is drunk, you can do it in this situation too. Because, as we said before, `texting and driving` is just as dangerous as `driving` while drunk, and maybe even more so.
• Decide not to go with him: If a few people get together and say, "We're not going with you because you're `using your phone` while you're `driving,`" he'll understand the seriousness of it. Anyone who sees their friends getting in the way of them thinks twice about bad habits.

5. The Life-Saving Approach!

There are some people who, no matter how much you tell them, will not give up this dangerous habit. There may be some who will laugh at you when you say you are afraid. Never argue with such a person. It is even more dangerous to ride in a car with a `driver` who is angry and `texting`.

• Stop traveling with someone like that altogether. Even if it's hard for you to do so, your own safety should come first.
• If possible, tell him why you're afraid to go out with him. It's best to be direct and say, "I'm afraid to go out with you because you're texting while driving, so I won't go out with you again." Sometimes, a little embarrassment can make people think twice about bad habits.
• Or you could say something like, "My dad said he shouldn't go with you because you text while you drive."

Important: This `texting and driving` problem is not just for young people. Sometimes adults make this mistake too. If you are driving with an adult and they are `using` their `phone, tell them to stop. Most adults know that they always tell their children not to `text` and `drive.` So when they make the same mistake, they should feel ashamed and put the `phone` aside.

Finally, remember: If a driver keeps texting you without listening to you, or laughs at you when you say you're scared, don't argue with him. Get out of the car as soon as possible. The next time that driver tries to give you a lift, politely decline with a "no, thank you very much." Your safety is more important than anything else.

A final take-home message

`Texting`, `email`, `social media` while `driving` is a very dangerous and irresponsible thing to do. You can't even imagine the damage it can cause. If you are a passenger in a vehicle and the `driver` is doing something like this, you have every right to speak up about it. Think about your safety. Use the methods we have discussed, and try to make the `driver` understand the dangers of this in a loving, kind, but firm way. Maybe your intervention can even save a life. So, don't be afraid, speak up. Your words can make a big difference!

Driver safety, car accidents, mobile phone use, passenger safety, safe driving, texting and driving, distracted driving