Shannon N. Oehlers, Carroll County Health Department
On October 1, 2005, a new driving law will take
effect. The components of the new law will
specifically target young drivers in an effort to
keep them safer on the road. From 1999 to 2003,
there was an average of 643 young driver-related
motor vehicle crashes in Carroll County, according
to the Maryland State Highway Administration.
Unfortunately, these crashes resulted in over 2200
injuries and 27 fatalities.
In order to combat these tragedies, lawmakers are
implementing a variety of strategies. The new law
will lengthen the amount of times new drivers must
hold permits, giving them more experience before
they obtain their full-fledged driver’s license.
The law will also raise the minimum age for
obtaining a provisional license to 16 years and
three months. In order to obtain the provisional
license, new drivers will have to have had a
learner’s permit for six months - two months longer
than the current law. They will also have had to
have had 60 hours of driving experience, instead of
the current 40, with 10 of those hours being
nighttime driving hours. The minimum age to obtain a
regular driver’s license will be raised to 17 years
and nine months.
Finally, the new law will impose new behavior
restrictions on teen drivers. Teen drivers will be
prohibited from using a cellular phone while
driving, with the exception of calling 911 in an
emergency. Also, for the first five months after
receiving a provisional license, teen drivers will
not be allowed to drive with a minor in the car
unless they are a member of their immediate family,
or unless there is an adult present.
Hopefully, the new laws will help to prevent young
driver-related injuries and fatalities in the
future. To help keep your teen driver safe in the
car, here are a few additional tips:
|
• |
Talk to
your teen driver about having the right
attitude when it comes to driving. Most
young driver-related crashes come down
to attitude and maturity, not skills or
knowledge. |
|
• |
Remind
your teen driver to buckle their seat
belt every time they get in the car, no
matter how nearby the destination nor
how slowly their speed. |
|
• |
Make
sure your teen driver has a safe car.
The best vehicle choice for a teen
driver is one with high safety ratings.
Avoid small cars, trucks, and sport
utility vehicles. |
|
• |
Help
your teen driver train for poor weather
conditions. Driving in the rain and snow
can be treacherous even for experienced
drivers. Help them get as much
supervised practice in all weather
conditions before sending them out on
their own. |
For more information
on young driver safety, call the Carroll County
Health Department at (410) 876-4819.
Shannon Oehlers is a health educator at the Carroll
County Health Department.
|
