Graduated Driver’s License System Put In Place
I still remember the first time that I was allowed to drive legally. The day that I got my driver’s license was such a big day for me that I wanted to just drive till I dropped. Experiencing this kind of feeling has not changed for many teens around the United States, and perhaps around the world. There is simply something about getting your driver’s license for the first time that makes you feel elated.
That is a good thing, of course, as it somehow welcomes you to the world of grown ups. On the other hand, we also know that accidents involving teen drivers can be quite fatal. Authorities in the state of Minnesota recognize this and have laid down a system of rules that may help lessen teen driver accidents.
How are they doing this? By putting in place a graduated driver’s license system. This is how it works. A teenager who has recently gotten his driver’s license is allowed to drive but with some restrictions. The Bemidji Pioneer reports:
For the first six months of licensure, driving is prohibited from midnight to 5 a.m. There are exceptions for employment and school event purposes. Also during the first six months, only one passenger younger than 20 is permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. However, transportation of young, immediate family members is permitted.
I really like this idea. After all, teenagers really have no business driving around town after midnight. More so, if they have school event or they work at night (which I wouldn’t want my teenager to do), they are still allowed to drive. This kind of rule may not ensure the absence of accidents 100 percent but it will help avoid driving after late night parties wherein teenagers could be intoxicated or simply tired – both of which could cause car accidents, as we all know.
How about that “one passenger younger than 20” rule? How does this affect things? Imagine a car full of excited teenagers. Throw in your inexperienced teen driver. Distraction would certainly abound and we know that a distracted driver is never a good thing.
So I think the bottom line here is giving teenagers the freedom and the mobility that they need while at the same time putting limits until they gain more experience and hopefully, become more mature individuals. I hope that other states that do not have this system would also implement it in the near future. Are you in favor of this law?
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Posted on July 21st, 2008 by Deborah J Thomas
Filed under: High School, News, Parents, People Involved, School Grade Level, Students
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