Dear Straight Talk: A few weeks ago I was picked up from the airport by my boyfriend’s 17-year-old son, who I’ll call “Mr. Social”. It was 7pm on a Friday night when we got on the freeway. There was a lot of traffic, it was dusk, it was raining, and to make a long story short, I was amazed we got home in one piece.
Mr. Social was on his cell phone the whole time. He must have received three different calls and read/sent as many text messages, all in the course of 45 minutes while driving 70 mph in the rain in heavy traffic—not to mention chatting with me the whole time, too!
I tried to complain and he wouldn’t hear it. He said it is how he always drives. He absolutely didn’t feel there was anything to worry about.
Is this normal teenage behavior behind the wheel? No wonder so many states want to ban cell phone use in cars. What should I have done?—White knuckles
Dear White knuckles: It sounds like you had the shotgun seat in a thrilling performance of teenage invincibility. I suspect “Mr. Social” may have been trying to impress you with his popularity and athleticism. (Look Ma, no hands!). In actuality, his actions were dangerous and rude.
It also sounds like you may have been trying to be “not overly-bearing” as a potential step-mother. What you should have done was put your foot down.
Teens, cars, and cell phones are a dangerous mix. Most teens realize this. As you’ll see from the teen response, insisting that Mr. Social shut the phone off is what even they would have done.
From Farren, 18: A lot of adults drive like this, too. Honestly, it’s completely reckless. I would have told him to either drive safer or I’ll call someone else for a ride. You were the adult and regardless of fact that this was your boyfriend’s son, you should have used more authority.
From Geoff, 21: Is it normal? Common, perhaps, but normal implies a degree of common sense or intelligence. I would have made him put the phone away or let me out.
From Jarrad, 17: Texting takes total concentration. You’re basically using a computer while driving. I think texting is when most accidents occur. A lot of kids can text without looking at the keypad—I’m one of them—but I still wait for red lights to read or send text.
I think the laws are coming. It’s already an instinct for teens to lower the phone when they see a cop. Everybody knows it takes away from your driving.
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