One of the most stressful times in parents’ lives is when their teens begin driving on their own. With most kids now out of school for the summer, they’re even more likely to be on the road. Maryland parents may take some amount of comfort in knowing that a recent study named our state the fourth safest one for teen drivers.
WalletHub.com, the personal finance website, ranked the 50 states based on factors such as DUI laws, fatalities and average repair costs. It should be noted, however, that Maryland is among the states with the highest costs paid in car repairs.
Another factor that was considered was graduated drivers licensing (GDL) programs. Maryland’s program is known as Rookie Driver.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), “Graduated driver licensing systems are proven to reduce crashes involving teen drivers by as much as 40 percent, minimizing common risks such as passenger distraction, nighttime driving and cell phone use.
Since June is National Safety Month, you may see more media attention on the potential dangers faced by teens who have just gotten their driver’s licenses. As the NSC notes, car crashes are the leading cause of teen deaths.
The combination of summer parties that too often involve underage drinking and inexperience behind the wheel can make for a deadly combination, whether it’s your teen or another one who is driving. Law enforcement patrols will no doubt be out in force as the upcoming Fourth of July holiday approaches. If your child is arrested for driving under the influence and/or underage drinking, it’s essential to understand the potential ramifications for his or her future and seek experienced legal guidance.
Source: Cars.com, “Study Reveals Best and Worst States for Teen Drivers,” Mike Schmitz, June 13, 2017
