How Smartphone Blocking Technology Could Save Young Lives
Studies show smartphone-blocking apps reduce distracted driving by teens
Every parent knows that moment of unease when they hand their child the keys and watch them pull out of the driveway. It’s a rite of passage, but also one of the most dangerous moments in a young person’s life. That risk only intensifies during summer, when teens are out of school, behind the wheel more often, and far more likely to be driving without adult supervision.
The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day has become so dangerous that safety experts refer to it as the 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers. According to AAA, 13,135 people died in crashes involving teen drivers from 2019 to 2023. Nearly 30% of those deaths happened during the summer.
In 2023, the most recent year with complete data, 2,897 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver. A third of those deaths (860) occurred during the summer months. That works out to about eight people dying every single day in teen-involved crashes from May to September.
What are the main causes of fatal teen crashes?
There’s no single cause behind this deadly pattern; it’s more like a perfect storm. Distractions, speeding, inexperience, not wearing seatbelts, and impaired driving all play a role. Distraction, especially from smartphones and other passengers, is the most persistent threat. AAA estimates that 60% of all teen crashes involve some form of distraction, and smartphones are among the biggest culprits.
Speed is another factor. Teens often misjudge how fast they’re going or how quickly they can react. Add in peer pressure, overconfidence, and the general feeling of invincibility that comes with youth, and the risk increases significantly. According to the data, speed contributes to 30% of fatal teen crashes.
Seatbelt use remains a serious concern. Roughly 60% of teen drivers killed in crashes were not wearing one. And while we’ve made strides in addressing drunk driving, 1 in 10 teens still admits to drinking and driving.
How can smartphone-blocking technology help?
It might sound like a small thing, such as flipping a setting on a phone, but that one step can be the difference between life and death. Most smartphones today include a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature. When enabled, it silences incoming calls, texts, and notifications while the vehicle is in motion. Some apps even send auto-reply messages to let people know the driver is unavailable.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has spotlighted the life-saving potential of this technology. Teens who use it are less likely to be involved in crashes related to distraction. And unlike lecturing or scolding, which teens often tune out, this is a passive solution. It removes the temptation altogether. Parents should take the time to help their teen enable these settings. Better yet, make it a condition for obtaining driving privileges. A quiet phone is a safer phone, and a safer road for everyone.
What role should parents play?
If you want your teen to drive safely, you’ve got to set the tone. That means more than just talking about safe driving; it means demonstrating it. When parents check their phones at red lights, drive aggressively, or fail to buckle their seatbelts, teens take notice. The same goes for modeling calm, focused driving.
Creating a written parent-teen driving agreement can help. This isn't about micromanaging. It's about setting expectations, such as no texting while driving, obeying curfews, limiting the number of passengers, and enabling phone-blocking features every time the car starts. Make consequences clear and stick to them.
AAA offers templates and safe driving resources for parents who want a starting point. Even better, consider taking driver education classes together. A united front makes it easier for teens to take the rules seriously.
What laws already exist to protect teen drivers?
Maryland has one of the more robust Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) systems in the country. It’s making a difference when these rules are followed.
Here’s what the law requires:
- A minimum of 6 months with a learner’s permit before testing for a provisional license
- At least 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night
- A driving curfew from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. for provisional license holders under age 18 (unless driving for work, school, volunteer fire/EMS duties, or with a qualified adult)
- No passengers under 18 for the first 151 days of holding a provisional license, unless accompanied by a licensed adult at least 21 years old
These aren’t arbitrary numbers. They’re based on years of research showing that limiting exposure to high-risk driving scenarios (e.g., nighttime or peer-heavy trips) saves lives. Parents should not only understand these rules but also enforce them consistently.
What else can families and communities do?
Technology alone can’t solve this problem. It takes consistent effort from families, schools, and communities. Parents can start by making smartphone-blocking technology a non-negotiable requirement and by having regular conversations about the risks associated with driving.
Schools can integrate this topic into health and driver’s ed programs. Law enforcement and local nonprofits can sponsor summer safety events. Even insurance companies can offer incentives for teens who use phone-blocking apps or participate in safe driving programs. This isn’t about scaring kids; it’s about empowering them to make smart choices, supported by adults who care enough to enforce the rules and lead by example.
Injured in a teen driver accident? Our law firm can help
If you or your child has been injured in a car accident involving a teenage driver, the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC, is here to protect your rights. With decades of legal experience, our law firm uses that insider knowledge to advocate for injured victims and their families. We also handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us anything unless we recover financial compensation on your behalf. That means no hourly rates or upfront costs; just experienced, results-driven representation from a law firm that knows what it takes to win.
When you schedule your free consultation with our firm, we'll take the time to listen to your story, review the details of the accident, answer your questions, and explain what to expect next. We proudly serve injured clients throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
If a teenage driver’s mistake led to your injuries, or if your child was hurt in a crash, contact us online or call our Rockville office today and find out how we can help.
"From the beginning, it felt like a very personal experience. Stuart took the time on phone calls and emails to explain everything in the process and to do follow-ups. He advised on treatments, doctors, etc. ...I am happy with my results and would highly recommend him!" - Janice, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐