Suggestions for Safe Teen Driving

California, similar to many other states, employs a Graduated Licensing Law (GDL) for teen drivers. This law is a safety measure aimed at reducing the number of Tustin car accident cases and fatalities among new drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers age 15-20 are three time more likely to cause a fatal car accident than other drivers.

While it is always the right time to make your teen aware of safe driving practices, it is especially prudent to do so now. State Farm Insurance reports an increase in claims among 16-17 year old drivers of 15% in the month of October over other months of the year. The GDL is as follows:

  • 15 ½ years old: Must take driver’s education to get a provisional permit.
  • 16 years old: Eligible for an intermediate license (with completion of driver’s education).
  • 17½ Years old: Allowed to apply for a provisional permit without taking driver’s education.
  • 18 Years and older: Allowed to apply for a driver’s license without obtaining a learner’s permit.

In addition, teens are prohibited from:

  • Transporting passengers under 20 years of age, at any time for the first twelve months.
  • Driving between the hours of 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM for the first twelve months

These rules are a good foundation for safety, but you can do more to keep your teen driver safe.

  • Don’t allow your teen to use a cell phone in the car. Despite stringent laws, a 2011 study showed that 45% of high school students 16 and older texted while driving. These teens were also less likely to use seatbelts. Tell your teen the phone must be off or in the backseat while they are driving.
  • Restrict other passengers. There is a 44% higher chance of fatal crashes when even one under 21 year old passenger is in the car with your teen according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. This chance increases with each under 21 year old passenger added, but decreases by over 60% for each passenger 35 years old or older.
  • Show your teen proper driving in school zones. These are areas with plentiful distractions: other cars, cyclists, pedestrians, and busses. Make a point of showing your teen how to adjust to the increased activity by decreasing speed.
  • Reiterate safe policies for dealing with cyclists and pedestrians. Make sure your teen stops well behind crosswalks to let pedestrians pass. Also tell them that cyclists are permitted to use the full width of the road, not just bike paths, and to check before opening the car door to make sure there are no approaching cyclists.
  • Of course, the basics are always important too. Remind them to always wear a seatbelt, follow the speed limit, and don’t drink or use drugs while driving.

Finally, one of the best things you can do is give your children a good example by driving safely yourself when they are with you in the car.