Most people want to hit the open road the moment they get their driver’s license. However, adhering to the current restrictions placed on rules for new drivers can go a long way in reducing the risk of being involved in an accident.
While there are restrictions that apply to all drivers, there are a few additional new driver restrictions that are essential to keep in mind.
For instance, new drivers with a permit have to be accompanied by a licensed adult at least 21 years of age, a legal guardian, or a driving instructor in the front seat.
There are many more rules that new drivers must follow to ensure their safety. In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the rules for teenage drivers before sharing with you a few tips on how to keep inexperienced drivers safe.
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Driving Restrictions for New Drivers
After passing their drivers’ test, new drivers under 18 receive an intermediate license, which will automatically become a regular license once they turn 18.
Until that happens, they must adhere to the following rules for new drivers.
Driving with Passengers
During the first six months after receiving their intermediate license, new drivers cannot have any passengers under 21 unless the passenger is an immediate family member. Six months after receiving their intermediate license, they can carry passengers under 21, as long as the number does not exceed three.
This rule exists because the more passengers a car has, the more distractions the driver is likely to experience.
Driving at Night
Driving in the dark is always dangerous, regardless of how long you’ve been driving. However, new drivers are yet to develop the experience needed to react to the drunk or fatigued drivers who are often on the road at night.
According to new driver rules, a teenager cannot drive between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless there is a licensed driver over 25 in the car with them.
Cell Phone Use
Adult drivers can use their cell phones while operating a vehicle, as long as the cell phone is hands-free. However, new driver rules do not permit those under 18 to do so unless it’s for emergencies.
The first offense usually results in a warning letter, while the second and third result in mandatory suspensions.
Tips to Keep New Drivers Safe
Keeping new drivers safe often requires instilling good driving habits and reinforcing the legal rules of the road. Here are a few tips that will help instill those good driving habits and keep new drivers safe.
Obey All Traffic Laws and Do Not Speed
The first tip is to obey all traffic laws. Also, ensure that you observe speed limits, slowing down in icy, snowy, and rainy conditions, or when there is heavy traffic.
Do Not Drive under the Influence of Alcohol
Teenagers involved in any alcohol-related accident will lose their license until they turn 18. More importantly, driving under the influence increases the risk of causing fatal accidents. As such, always avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or any drug.
Use Seat Belts
Ensure that you and your passengers always wear your seat belts to limit the risk of sustaining severe injuries should you get into an accident.
Avoid Distractions
Avoid distractions such as using your cell phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or putting on makeup while driving.
Know Your Teenager’s Driving Plans
Discuss with your teen where they are driving to before they leave and remind them not to drive after 10 p.m. You should also have them call you if they are going to be late to arrange alternate means of transport.
Offer Your Teen a No Judgment Ride Policy
Always be ready to offer your teen a ride at any hour, preventing them from getting behind the wheel drunk or into a car with a drunk driver.
Get Legal Help from Brain Injury Law of Seattle Today!
Even when your teenager obeys all the new driver laws, complies with restrictions, and follows all safe driving practices, it is still possible for them to get involved in an accident.
Should this happen, have them seek medical attention promptly and then reach out to the attorneys at Brain Injury Law of Seattle for legal help. Our team will listen to your case keenly before presenting you with options that can help you recover expenses and damages.
Reach out to Brain Injury Law of Seattle today at 425-278-4383 for your free quote.
