NYA Parents' Association
NYA Parents Association Holds Forum on Teen Driving Issues
February 21, 2008, Yarmouth, Maine: On January 29, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., in a forum sponsored by the North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) Parents’ Association, State Trooper Lenny Bolton and Rayette Hudon from AAA Public Affairs, Driver Education & Traffic Safety Services, spoke to NYA parents about teen driving issues. Bolton and Hudon had strong words of advice for parents and stressed the importance of parental involvement with teen drivers both before and after a drivers license is obtained. They urged parents to be aware of the laws pertaining to teen drivers and to enforce those laws, and they noted that crash rates are highest during a driver's first two years behind the wheel. They explained that research shows that the more parents are involved, the better the outcome.
Hudon stressed that parents are the key to ensuring that teen drivers develop a safety-oriented sense of responsibility, the skills and habits necessary to demonstrate such a sense, and an understanding of the social responsibilities that come with driving. She offered the following advice to parents:
SET EXPECTATIONS EARLY - A parent-teen contract establishes ground rules that everyone can understand.
STAY CONNECTED - Don't rely solely on driver education. Passing the driving test is only a small first step. The most difficult job begins after the license is issued.
STAY INVOLVED - Monitor their ability and skills, limit driving areas until they can handle more adverse conditions, and spend time practicing.
DON’T BE PART OF THE PROBLEM- Take this chance to become a better driver yourself.
Trooper Bolton advised parents to be aware of the laws that apply to a Juvenile Provisional License (a person under the age of 18 who has been issued a license). With a Provisional License, drivers may not carry a passenger other than immediate family members unless accompanied by a licensed operator over the age of 21 for the first six months (a violation means the clock starts over); operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.; operate a motor vehicle while using a cell phone; operate a vehicle with any amount of alcohol in the blood (suspension of license automatically for one year for first offense); and driver and passengers in the vehicle must wear a seat belt or be secured in a child safety seat (depending on age and weight).
For best results, parents are strongly advised to stay involved and continue to commit time to assess driving progress even after licensure. Only a combination of practice, experience, training and parental involvement can reduce a teen’s chance of crashing.
For further details about driving laws, parents are urged to access: http://janus.state.me.us/Legis/Statutes/29-A/title29-Asec2472.html
Parents may also find the following websites helpful:
- www.AAA.com
- www.AAAfoundation.org - Driving Safety Research
- www.nhtsa.gov - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- www.iii.org - Insurance Information Institute
- www.dmv.org - The Unofficial Guide to the DMV
- www.goachallenge.org - Get Out Alive: The Parent-Teen Driving Challenge
- www.nicb.org - National Insurance Crime Bureau
North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational day school serving students in grades 6 through 12. NYA is dedicated to fostering integrity, character and intellect in young adults. For more information, please contact NYA at 207-846-2380 ext. 9327.