Teen Drivers
Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in Virginia
Becoming a safe driver is one of the smartest and most responsible actions you can take for yourself, your family and others on the road with you.
Virginia’s teen driving laws help keep those 18 and younger safe on the roadways. Follow the laws below to avoid being ticketed, and most importantly, to prevent death and injury.
Don’t Be Distracted
Even though driving feels like something you can do in your sleep, it actually requires your eyes and ears to be always on high alert, where any little distraction can be the difference between life and death.
Buckle Up
Wear your seat belt to prevent being ejected from your seat, which almost always means death.
Check Your Friends
When lives are at stake, speak up. Always ride with sober drivers, always buckle up and insist everyone else buckles up.
Keep Your Distance
Keep four seconds of following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Tailgating, speeding, and underestimating dangerous situations are some of the main factors in teen vehicle deaths.
Focus on Driving
Driving is a complex task and requires the driver’s full attention. Examples of distractions are blasting the music, loading up your car with friends, and using your phone. Using your phone while driving is illegal in Virginia for individuals 18 and younger
TTYL
Texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers in Virginia, no matter their age.
Sleep Nine
Teens need at least nine hours of sleep, which allows you to stay alert while driving.
Stay Sober
Alcohol use by people under 21 is prohibited in Virginia. The penalties for Virginia’s "zero tolerance" law regarding teens and alcohol include losing your license for a year, and fines or community service.
Respect Role Models
When first learning to drive, respect the ground rules your parents and caregivers set and stick to them. Pay attention to the advice from experienced drivers.
Save Your Driver
Drivers are twice as likely to die in frontal crashes when back-seat passengers are unbuckled.
Educate Yourself
The main reasons for teen-related fatalities and serious injuries in single-vehicle crashes are not buckling up, speed, inexperience, and alcohol. The more you know, the more you can prevent unnecessary crashes.
TEEN DRIVING VIDEOS:
