Should There Be More Restictions on Teenage Drivers?
Tomorrow, I am giving a presentation to Countryside High School's Driver's Education classes as part of the Great American Teach In. I look forward to hearing the teenager's insight of the National Safety Council's recommendation for restrictions on teenage drivers.
The policy,available on the NSC website at Graduated Driver Licensing Policy, encourages states to adopt a GDL model for teen drivers under 18 years old with three stages: 1) A Learners’ Permit period of six months or longer during which teens drive with a supervising adult; 2) A Provisional license stage with specific restrictions for unsupervised driving; and 3) Full licensure. The NSC model includes these recommendations for Provisional licenses:
- Unsupervised driving only before 10 p.m.
- No passengers under age 18
- Zero tolerance for alcohol use with mandatory penalties
- Mandatory seat belt use, and
- No use of cell phones or text messaging devices.
Given that car accidents are the number 1 killer of teenagers, I personally don't think these restrictions are too extreme. Teens with teenagers in the car are more likely to get in car accidents. 60% of night-time fatal car accidents with teenagers occur between 9:00 pm and midnight. Cell phones and text messaging distract drivers of all ages and distractions are the number one cause of car accidents.
In my personal injury practice, I see too many people getting hurt or dying because of careless drivers of all ages. Anything we can do to reduce car accidents involving teenagers is a plus!
If you have been injured in a Florida car accident, motorcycle accident, bike accident or other personal injury matter, it is important that you talk with an attorney before talking with the insurance company. Insurance companies have attorneys working for them--so should you!!
Read more about Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes and his Tampa Bay personal injury law firm that has been caring for clients after Florida car accidents and workers compensation claim for over 53 years. Thereafter, schedule a free case consultation with Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes to discuss your rights after a Florida car accident or workers' compensation claim.
