Teen Drivers: Educating Young Drivers on Safe Practices

Driving is an important rite of passage for many teenagers. Unfortunately, safe driving is a skill that can take many years to master. Teen drivers continue to be a significant contributor to high accident rates in Mississippi and nationwide. To combat this issue, there has been a focus on awareness and education programs aimed at reducing accidents involving young drivers. Here is what you need to know about teen driving in Mississippi and ways you can educate young drivers on safe practices. 

Teen Driving Laws in Mississippi

Mississippi relies on a graduated license program to progress unlicensed drivers from a learner’s permit to an intermediate license to a full, valid driver’s license. Mississippi teens can enroll in driver’s education at the age of 14, which includes six hours of driving instruction and 30 hours of classroom instruction.

At 15 years of age, a teen can apply for and test to receive a learner’s permit. This requires proof of ID, a signature by a parent or guardian, and proof of school enrollment. This permit only allows the teen to drive under an adult’s direct supervision. 

After holding a learner’s permit for a minimum of one year, a driver who is 16 years or older can test to receive an intermediate license. This license allows them to drive unaccompanied Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. unless they are traveling to and from work. A teen can get an unrestricted license after holding an intermediate license for a minimum of six months without any moving violations. 

Common Risk Factors for Teen Driving Accidents

Teen drivers and their parents should understand the legal responsibilities associated with driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 2,500 teen drivers ages 15 to 18 die in fatal crashes annually. Some of the common challenges faced by young and inexperienced drivers include:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the number one cause of accidents among young drivers. Unfortunately, teens are particularly susceptible to a variety of distractions that can take their attention away from the road. Among these are texting, talking on the phone, eating, changing the radio station, applying makeup, and focusing on friends in the car. Just a few seconds of distraction can be deadly. 

Speeding

Speeding is another important issue for teen drivers. According to the NHTSA, speed was a factor in roughly 30% of fatal crashes involving teens ages 15-18 in 2022. Teens may become overconfident in their driving abilities or unaware of certain hazards, such as winding roads or changing weather conditions. 

Impaired Driving

When teenagers make poor choices related to drugs and alcohol and then get behind the wheel of a car, the results can be disastrous. While the legal drinking age is 21 in every state, it’s also unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence. 

Drowsy Driving

Teenagers are busier than ever. Many have multiple outside activities they’re involved in, and some also hold part-time jobs. Teens are also notorious for not getting enough sleep. This can lead to drowsy driving, which claims many lives each year. In fact, younger drivers have the highest risk of being involved in these types of accidents. 

Keeping Young Drivers Safe on the Road

The journey to becoming a safe driver requires a collaborative effort between the teen, their parents, and the surrounding community. Some ways to be successful on this journey and keep young drivers safe on the road include:

• Avoid Distractions — Teen drivers must avoid all distractions while operating a motor vehicle. 
• Know the Rules of the Road — Teens should understand and follow all rules of the road, such as no speeding or un-signaled lane changes. 
• Wear Seat Belts — If an accident does happen, wearing a seat belt can make the difference between life and death. 
• Embrace the GDL System — Mississippi’s Graduated Driver Licensing System is structured to guide inexperienced drivers through various stages. 
• Never Drive Impaired — Teens must understand the dangers of drunk, drugged, or drowsy driving. 
• Offer Parental Support — The guidance and support of parents can be critical for teen drivers, who require strict rules and consequences to foster safe driving habits. 

Know Your Rights If Your Teen Is Involved in an Accident

Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle can be exciting for teens, but it also comes with some real dangers. If your teen is involved in an accident, the responsible party should be held accountable. Unfortunately, you can’t always trust the insurance companies to do the right thing. 

At Mississippi Car Accident Attorney, our mission is to provide those involved in vehicle accidents with the information they need to protect their rights and pursue full and fair damages. Often, a skilled car accident lawyer can help guide your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.