If 38 wide-body airplanes crashed in a year, would it get everyone’s attention?  Well, that is how many teenagers between the ages of 16-19 are injured or killed in car related collisions every year.  Some 15,000 teenagers loose their lives due to car crashes every year and evidence shows that good parental involvementis an important factor in reducing the risks.  Prevention is the key and communicating with your teenage driver, will reduce the risks.
 

First, set yourself up as the example.  Make sure that you display yourself as a defensive driver when the teenager is in the car.  Be considerate to other drivers and obey the traffic laws.  Do not drive distracted or aggressively.  Show them that you are responsible by displaying current insurance and registration documents.  Before you drive, show them that you check the safety items on the car - such as tire pressure, windshield wiper wear and windshield cleanliness.

Second, make sure you discuss their driving experiences with you and ask if they would like to hear your own experiences.  Does anyone remember when the seat belt law became effective in the 80’s?  There was a lot of marketing going on to convince the drivers to use seat belts; from scare tactics to being a cool driver with the belts on.  Let them know about the ways you made driving a safe environment.  While you drive with them be patient and keep the driving to – not more than 45 minutes in order to keep the fatigue down.  Do not nag or criticize and instead give direct and clear instructions.  Save most of the feedback till after the drive and find as many ways as possible to praise the correct things they did during the drive. 

Third, make it clear that following safety laws will be an agreement between you and them.  Consistently go over that you will check for things such as, aggressive or reckless driving, night time driving or driving while under the influence.  Peer pressure may encourage them to deviate from the rules and such things as using the cell phone usage, driving with teenage passengers and failing to wear seat belts may be tempting to do.  Enforce the agreement and be firm to ban the use of the car if it is violated.

 
[1] Car and Driver magazine - August 2011

Current California law now requires provisional drivers between the ages of 16-18 to meet certain driving rules.  They consist of night-time curfews, passenger limits, and supervised driving limits (50 hours, including 10 hours driving at night).  Here are the detailed restrictions from the California Department of Motor Vehicles: 

Effective January 1, 2006, a new law will increase driving restrictions for persons under the age of 18 who:

• Are issued a provisional driver license (DL) on or after January 1, 2006, or
• Already hold a provisional DL issued on or after January 1, 2005.

Provisional Driving Restrictions—You must be accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent, guardian or other licensed driver 25 years of age or older or a licensed or certified driving instructor when you:

• Transport passengers under 20 years of age at any time, for the first twelve months.
• Drive between 11 pm and 5 am for the first twelve months.

To determine if these restrictions apply to you, look at the date on your driver license.  The date printed just to the left of your photograph is the date these restrictions begin.  The new restrictions apply for 12 months following this date.  For example:  If the date on your license is May 7, 2005, you will have the above restrictions through May 7, 2006.  Violation of either restriction can result in a fine and/or community service.

Persons under 18 may not be employed to drive a motor vehicle. When you turn 18 years of age, the provisional part of your license ends. You may continue to drive as an adult using your photo license, which will expire on your 5th birthday after the date you applied.

Exceptions to Restrictions

When reasonable transportation is not available and it is necessary for you to drive, the law grants the following exceptions for minors to drive between 11 pm and 5 am or to transport an immediate family member unaccompanied and unsupervised.

The law allows the following exceptions when reasonable transportation is not available and it is necessary for you to drive. A signed note must be kept in your possession for any of these exceptions explaining the necessity and the date when the driving necessity will end (except emancipated minors).

• Medical necessity when reasonable transportation alternatives are inadequate. The note must be signed by your physician, and contain the diagnosis and probable date of recovery.
• Schooling or school-authorized activity. The note must be signed by your school principal, dean, or his/her designee.
• Employment necessity and the need to operate a vehicle as part of your employment. The note must be signed by your employer verifying employment.
• Your necessity or the necessity of an immediate family member. The note must be signed by your parent or legal guardian.

• If you are an emancipated minor, no documentation is needed. However, you must have already declared yourself emancipated and provided DMV with Proof of Financial Responsibility (SR 1P) in lieu of your guarantors’ signatures.