Summer Brings Added Risks, Restrictions for Teen Drivers
Phoenix, Ariz. May 28, 2008 – As the school year winds down, AAA Arizona urges young drivers to take caution. Summer vacation can pose a danger for teen drivers and their passengers, as they are out of school and spend more time behind the wheel. Statistically, car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, responsible for more deaths each year than drugs, alcohol, suicide and violence combined.
In fact, according to the Motor Vehicle Division, 15- to 18-year-old drivers were involved in 20,947 crashes in Arizona in 2006, resulting in 106 deaths and 6,950 injuries.
More recent news from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 57 percent of drivers and passengers between the ages of 16 and 20 who were killed in daytime car crashes in 2006 were not buckled. During night hours, the numbers increased with 68 percent of the young motorists and passengers killed not wearing seat belts.
“Because nighttime hours are some of the most dangerous for teen drivers, and since the risk of a crash doubles with each additional passenger, the state legislature passed the Teenage Driver Safety Act (TDSA), which will go into effect on July 1, 2008,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs manager for AAA Arizona. “Beginning July 1, nighttime and passenger restrictions will be placed on new teen drivers under the age of 18 for a period of six months before acquiring their full unrestricted class G license.”
The following changes go into effect on July 1, 2008 as part of the Teenage Driver Safety Act:
- The age to obtain an instruction permit is lowered to 15 years and six months.
- Anyone under the age of 18 getting their license for the first time will hold a graduated driver license (GDL) for a period of six months.
- With the new GDL restrictions, teens may not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
- In addition, teen drivers who hold a GDL cannot have more than one passenger in their vehicle who is not a family member.
- Exemptions are made for work, school and religious reasons.
“According to a recent AAA Arizona online poll, 90 percent of respondents are unfamiliar with the new law, so it is extremely important for parents of teens to know the startling statistics and what new restrictions will be placed on new teen drivers,” continued Gorman.
For more information on the laws and what teens can do to be a safer driver, visit www.teensatthewheel.com, a new website that helps teens and their parents navigate the learning-to-drive process.
AAA Arizona also recommends that parents talk to their teens about the following before handing over the keys:
- Drugs & Alcohol. Make an agreement with your teen that they will not drive or ride with anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even if you’ve already explained the dangers of driving under the influence, emphasize that these dangers are particularly high on celebratory nights such as prom and graduation.
- Buckle Up. Make sure your teen wears their seatbelt and knows the importance of buckling up every single time they get into a car, even if they are just driving or riding a short distance.
- Distractions. Limit the number of passengers allowed to ride in your teenager’s vehicle to no more than one in order to reduce the risk of your teen being distracted while driving. Also, discuss the dangers of other distractions with your teen, such as cell phones and music, among others.
- Other Drivers. If your teen is riding with someone else, make sure you know who they will be riding with. If their plans change and they end up riding with someone else, make sure they let you know so you know who they are with at all times.
- Be There. Make sure your teen knows that if they need help, advice or a ride, they can call you at any time. Extend this offer often so they’re reminded that it is always available to them, and let them know that they will not be judged nor in trouble should they need your help.
Families can also sign up for AAA Arizona’s award-winning “Dare to Prepare” workshop. This free program provides parents and their teens with critical information they will need to know before teens take the wheel, and will explain the state’s new Graduated Driver License law, reviewing the new steps to obtain a permit and a driver’s license in Arizona. For dates and locations of upcoming workshops, please visit www.AAAAZ.com/news/DareToPrepare.htm or email publicrelations@arizona.aaa.com.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. |
