Risk of distracted driving at an all time high

Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook or even an old-fashioned text message are dangerous for drivers of any age.

But in an age where digital communication is the standard and instant responses are expected, distractions behind the wheel are especially dangerous for new and teen drivers.

According to ICBC, Every month, at least two youth die in car crashes in B.C. and 20 youth are injured daily. Distracted driving is the main contributing factor for teen drivers in crashes.

While it rightly gets the most attention, distracted driving is more than just texting while driving; it's any kind of activity that takes a driver's focus away from the road. Eating, talking to a friend, changing a playlist, watching a video, checking your newsfeed and putting on makeup while driving are all examples of distracted driving.

Phones are a common culprit but distracted driving is any kind of activity that takes a driver's focus away from the road. Eating, talking to a friend, and putting on makeup while driving are all examples of distracted driving.

Tips for teens:

• Use tech wisely: Use the 'Do Not Disturb while driving' feature on your iPhone or install a distracted driving app to help you resist temptation – your phone can send auto-replies to explain why you're not responding.
• Remember the rules: If you're in the graduated licensing program, it's illegal to use electronic devices while driving, even hands-free. Your first offence alone will cost you $543.
• Keep music low enough to hear everything else: Sounds from the road can affect the decisions you make as a driver. Turn down the volume, and remove earbuds so that you're able to hear the siren of an ambulance or the screech of a car.

Tips for parents:

• Set the standard: Even though it might seem like they're not paying any attention to you these days, they certainly are. Teens are greatly influenced by your attitude toward texting while driving and the habits that you employ when you're behind the wheel.
• Put away all phones: When taking your teen out to practice driving, insist that all phones be placed in the glovebox before starting the vehicle. Be sure to place yours in the glovebox as well to ensure you're both focused on the road ahead.

Tips for friends:

• Chill in the car: Let your friend focus on driving by being a good passenger. Save the wild dance moves, punching your buddy in the backseat, or getting in a really heated conversation for when you arrive at your destination.
• Speak up: If your friend is texting while driving, say something. They're not only being careless, but also placing both of your lives at risk. Offer to manage their texts while driving.

Young drivers represent 7 per cent of B.C.'s driving population. In 2015, there were 230,000 active driver licences for drivers aged 16 to 21. The total population of all active licences was 3,360,000.