Texting and driving is becoming more and more an issue among teenagers and adults. Celebrities, advertising companies and parents are all joining together to help teenagers (and some adults!) understand how dangerous texting and driving really is. While your teenager may never text and drive while there in the car there is a chance they could be a passenger in the car of someone who is texting and driving. Oftentimes the teenager may be unsure how to handle this type of situation. If you’re in the car with a driver who is texting and it’s making you nervous here are some ways to let them know that you’re uncomfortable.

1. Be direct and let them know that their behavior makes your nervous. Most of the time the driver will realize how unsafe they’re being and will put the phone away. Mostly likely the driver will put the phone away, however if they don’t it’s not a good idea to argue. Arguing will only allow another distraction for them and can create a more hazardous situation.
2. For those who are less likely to be direct, trying asking if they’d like for you to text for them. If the driver is texting someone you know you can also send them a message from your phone letting them know they’re driving and be in touch with them later. You can point out other drivers who may be swerving and missing road signs and comment about whether they’re texting.

Obviously how you handle the situation will depend on the person and how well you know them. If it’s someone you don’t feel comfortable asking them to stop texting while driving or if they tease you then be sure to talk with your parents and avoid riding with that person. Parents can be just as bad as teenagers about texting or emailing. Let your parents know that you’re watching and that you want them to be safe and not text and drive