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New law in Pennsylvania brings big changes for TEEN DRIVERS!

By
Real Estate Agent with Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd.

pa driver New law in Pennsylvania brings big changes for TEEN DRIVERS!!

There are few events in a teenagers life that are more important than getting their drivers' license!

Starting today, Pennsylvania is joining other states including New Jersey in putting limitations on new drivers under 18-years-old.

The law states that for six months new drivers under 18 are limited to one non-family passenger in the car unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

After the six month period, the junior driver may transport up to three people.

The law also says drivers under the age of 18 must wear a seatbelt and can be stopped if they do not.

Another addition requires 10 hours of night driving and five hours of training to drive in bad weather.

The law's sponsor State Representative Katherine Watson says the law is not designed to make life miserable for junior drivers, just safer.

 

With this law, we will bring more Pennsylvania young people home safely," said Rep. Watson.

 

Experts say studies show that teen drivers tend to be in more danger.

"In our own studies by AAA, we have found that within the first month of driving, teen drivers are at a 50 percent higher risk of crashes," said Jenny Robinson of AAA Mid-Atlantic.

Tips for Teenagers

  • Always wear your seat belt.
  • Obey the speed limit. Going too fast gives you less time to react.
  • Use your turn signals so other drivers know what you are doing.
  • Don’t drink and drive. Drinking under the age of 21 is illegal.
  • Focus on the driving task—the road and the conditions around you.
  • Don’t use your cell phone while driving. This is a distraction that will take your attention away from driving.
  • Don’t eat or drink while driving. These are also distractions.
  • Plan ahead. Know where you are going and get directions.
  • Leave early. Give yourself plenty of time to get there.

 

 

Posted by

Joy

Joy Daniels, GRI, ABR, CSP, e-PRO
JOY DANIELS REAL ESTATE GROUP, LTD
2793 Old Post Road, Suite 200
Harrisburg, PA  17110

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Brenda Archambault
The Real Estate Investment Institute - Houston, TX

This sounds like a good idea to me as a Mother, I know kids will hate it though.

Dec 27, 2011 03:27 PM
Joy Daniels
Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd. - Harrisburg, PA

We have had several tragic after school accidents in the state recently and I am guessing that is part of what prompted this.  My kids are grown, but I have a secretary in our office with a child just driving and she is happy about the law. 

Dec 28, 2011 01:02 AM
Jessica White
Joy Daniels Real Estate Group - Harrisburg, PA

As a mom with a 16 year old son, I am thankful for this new law to be coming into effect at this time.  As a young driver he needs to be able to concentrate on the road...  I will be glad that he won't be ABLE to drive all of his friends around during the first 6 months.  I am hopeful that this new law will save lives!

Dec 29, 2011 01:51 AM
Don Hess
KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601 - Quarryville, PA

Definitely a good step. I would have hated it when I was 16, but then there weren't as many cars on the road. Teens and even young adults just don't seem to realize the dangers. Let's hope this helps.

Dec 31, 2011 05:38 AM
Joy Daniels
Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd. - Harrisburg, PA

Hi Don, I am hoping it will be like anything else, once it's done a certain way for a certain amount of time, it's accepted and drivers won't even think about other choices or the way it used to be.  :)

Dec 31, 2011 06:52 AM
Anne M. Costello
Weidel Realtors - Yardley, PA

Joy: I hadn't realized these changes were going into effect. It's been a long time since my adult children were teenage drivers, but I applaud these changes. Parents need all the ammuniton and teenagers need all the education and support they can get.  I am reblogging for a little wider distribution, with all comments directed to you. Looking forward to getting to know you better in the Rain. Happy New Year and Continued Success!

Dec 31, 2011 08:03 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

Not sure about the 5 hours of bad weather driving. Good idea, but we'd have a hard time hear in California. We already have the 6 months rule, but our law states that you cannot transport anyone under 18 with you for 6 months. Don't we have a nationwide seatbelt law? or is that state by state.

Dec 31, 2011 08:10 AM
Joy Daniels
Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd. - Harrisburg, PA

Thank you Anne.   I am looking forward to getting to know a fellow Pennsylvanian too.  If you are in the Harrisburg area for anything, please give me a call!  

 

:)  You are lucky Karen - bad weather driving is a definite in this area!!  Snow, Ice, YUCK!http://www.anapolschwartz.com/practices/seat-belt-failure/seatbelt-federal-laws.asp  I wasn't sure whether the seatbelt laws were Federal or State and it seems like there are parts of the law that separately regulated.  I found this link, I'd thought I'd share with you.

Dec 31, 2011 08:40 AM