Important News October 2007 Teens behind the wheel, what you need to know to protect them. By Griffin-Owens and Associates For teenagers, learning to drive is a major milestone on the journey to becoming an adult. Most states will allow a 15-year-old to obtain a learner’s permit. With a learner’s permit, your teen can drive only if accompanied by a certified driving instructor, a parent or a guardian who has a valid driver’s license and rides in the front. At the age of 16, your teen can apply for a “probationary” driver’s license. Be aware that many states enforce night curfew hours and graduated drivers’ licensing laws (GDL). The GDL system is designed to ease young novice drivers into becoming experienced motorists by gradually exposing them to increasingly demanding driving experiences and licensing stages. Over 40 states have three-stage graduated licensing systems. Several other states have portions of GDL programs in place. These programs aim to reduce fatal crashes among 16-year-old drivers. Most graduated licensing programs consist of three stages: Stage One (Learner’s Permit) – A licensed adult driver must accompany the young driver. Stage Two (Intermediate License) – The driver takes a behind the-wheel road driving test. After passing the test, the teenager can drive alone, with restrictions and limits on night driving and transporting teen passengers. Stage three – Full licensing. For more information on the graduated driver licensing laws (GDL), visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or visit www.dmv.org to learn how your teen can receive a learner’s permit. In most states, your teen will need to complete a driver’s education course – which is highly recommended, even if it’s not required by your state. Your teen will learn the basics of driving, build confidence and awareness, and learn about overall safety. Be sure to enforce certain good driving habits: speeding, tailgating, joking around, talking on the phone and eating are risky driving practices that combined with driving inexperience can lead to accidents. It’s hard for kids to remember that loud playing music is also a distraction and may make it impossible to hear an oncoming emergency vehicle. And, as always, drinking and driving is completely out of the question! You have to insure your teen separately, but be sure to ask for the good grade discount. I can help you choose an insurance policy that will fit your needs today and tomorrow. I’m a Nationwide Insurance agent. Let’s talk. To learn more about insuring your teen, contact Griffin-Owens and Associates at 703-471-0050. Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $157 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #98 on the Fortune 100 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, homeowners, life, health, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information, visitwww.nationwide.com. Nationwide and the Nationwide Framework are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. On Your Side is a service mark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
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