Pa. Commissioner Offers Teen Driving Tips

Before young drivers get behind the wheel, parents should discuss with them how to remain safe and avoid distractions, acting Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario said this week. “Spring is an exciting time for young adults, with warmer weather at hand and the end of the school year approaching,” he said. “But once a teen driver gets in a car with a group of friends, the excitement can quickly get out of hand and become dangerous.” The newest edition of Consumer News You Can Use, the Office of Consumer Liaison’s quarterly newsletter, highlights the dangers of teen driving and discusses important issues parents should address with young drivers. Ario encourages parents to explore resources such as MADD’s (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) THINK.Prom, a program that gives students the chance to pledge to be drug- and alcohol-free on prom night. Ario also advises parents to make sure teen drivers are warned that cell phone use, texting, eating food, or socializing with passengers can be dangerously distracting and should be avoided. In Pennsylvania, a driver with a junior license cannot be on the road between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or spouse who is at least 18 — but not an 18-year-old friend. If a junior driver is employed during those hours, or is involved with public service or a volunteer fire company, they must carry an affidavit from their supervisor that authorizes them to drive during the restricted period.