The recent crash between a school bus and a car with four teenagers in Brighton is focusing attention on teen drivers and related issues.
When I heard that the ages of the people in the car were between 14 and 16 I knew right away that the driver was likely inexperienced and was in violation of the law governing the number of non-related passengers in the car under 21. The law is really intended to cut down on the number of possible distractions to the driver. Police admit they seldom pull cars over for that violation alone so it probably happens more frequently than realized. That leaves it to parents to have to make it clear to their children that packing their car with friends from school is not allowed.
Drivers of all ages are already challenged by distractions, from the radio to their smartphone and more. Less experienced drivers have an even tougher time in such situations. If you have a teen driver in your house, take the time to explain to them not just the laws (which they should already be aware of) but the reasons behind them. It could just save their lives.
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