You’ve kept them safe for years and now it’s time to let them drive. Are they ready? Are you? The old saying goes, “If you want to keep your kids’ feet on the ground, put some weight on their shoulders.” Driving is a huge privilege and responsibility. We can help you with the ongoing conversation of teen driver safety and accountability.
Preparing Your Teen Driver for the Road Ahead
The transition to teen driving is accompanied by numerous considerations. To ensure the safety of your teen driver on Maine’s roads, it’s crucial to be well-informed. Here are essential facts you need to be aware of:
- In 2020, the U.S. Center for Disease Control recorded a harrowing statistic: an average of 8 teens aged 13-19 lost their lives daily due to injuries from motor vehicle accidents.
- Statistically, drivers within this age group are nearly three times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes compared to those over 20 years old.
- Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among young individuals aged 15-24 in Maine, mirroring a nationwide trend.
- The presence of teen passengers substantially heightens the risk of severe accidents, with each additional passenger further elevating the risk.
- Active parental involvement during the learning phase significantly reduces the likelihood of fatal accidents among teen drivers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says, “Novice drivers rarely crash while they are being supervised by adults, but have the highest crash rates of all age groups during the first six months of unsupervised driving when they become fully licensed.” Therefore, to address all of these facts, each state has enacted a Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDL.) A GDL allows for more hands-on instruction and guidance for young drivers.
Maine’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) System
- Learner Stage: Minimum age of 15 years; duration of 6 months; completion of 70 hours of adult-supervised driving, including 10 hours after sunset.
- Intermediate Stage: Minimum age of 16 years; driving prohibited from midnight to 5:00 a.m.; no non-family passengers permitted.
- Full Privileges: Attainable at a minimum age of 18 years.
Additionally, Maine law prohibits cell phone use (calls or texts) for all drivers under the age of 18, and texting for drivers of all ages.
Empowering Responsible Driving
Guiding your teen through their driving journey requires a steadfast commitment. As a parent, your involvement remains unparalleled. To foster open communication, consider establishing a young driver contract with your teen. We extend an invitation to meet with you and your young driver to review this contract in person, underscoring its significance.
For more resources and information, visit the NHTSA’s website. Remember the “5 to Drive” rules: No cell phones, no extra passengers, no speeding, no alcohol, and always buckle up!
Don’t forget, ensuring your teen’s safety on Maine’s roads is a collective effort—one that promises peace of mind as they embark on this pivotal journey.
