TL;DR
  • Some parents are choosing manual transmission cars for teen drivers because operating a stick shift may help reduce distracted driving by requiring more focus and coordination.
  • Driving a manual car keeps teens engaged with shifting and clutch control, leaving less opportunity for distractions like texting or phone use.
  • Learning to drive a stick shift can also build driving skills and confidence, giving teens a stronger sense of responsibility behind the wheel.
  • Supporters of manual transmissions believe they encourage safer driving habits by forcing drivers to stay attentive and actively involved in operating the vehicle.
  • Distracted driving remains a major safety issue, contributing to thousands of deaths each year, which is why many parents are exploring ways to help teens stay focused while driving.
manual transmission When it comes to teen driving safety, there are more distractions than ever for the teenage driver, thanks to the popularity of smartphones and other mobile devices. For some parents, one part of the answer to teenage distracted driving has been found in an older form of technology: manual transmissions.

Teenagers & Distracted Driving Accidents: A Lot to Think About

Seattle, Washington's KING 5, reported on the parents of a new teen driver who opted to buy a car with a manual transmission. Preventing distracted driving was the reason these parents made this decision. The need to multitask while driving a stick shift is something these parents felt would displace other distractions.

Manual Focus

Operating a clutch to drive leaves little time for distractions. Unless the driver stays focused on appropriate shifting and clutch action, the car will stop. At the same time, learning how to drive a stick shift is an added benefit in itself for some young drivers. The teenage driver can take pride in their skillful operation of a car with a standard transmission.

Shifting Trend

It is heartening that parents are taking steps to reduce distracted driving for their teenage drivers. Having new drivers start by learning to drive a car with a manual transmission teaches them to stay focused on driving. This automobile choice for their teenager's first car is not unique to this Seattle couple. Jalopnik states that they have been promoting such a choice for years.

Diminishing Distractions

Finding a fun way to keep a teenager's focus on safe driving can be difficult. With so many distractions available to the teen, learning to drive a manual transmission may seem to be counter intuitive. As it turns out, however, operating a manual transmission both adds to a young driver’s driving skills while making common distractions like texting while driving nearly impossible.

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Distracted driving remains a leading cause of teen car accidents. If you’ve become a victim of a distracted driving car accident in our area, the Tampa car accident lawyers of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk may be able to help. Call today at 1-800-538-4878 or complete our contact form for a free initial consultation and case evaluation.