A Parents Guide to Graduated Licensing Presented By: 1 st Sgt. Nancy Morin and 1 st Sgt. Brian Jacobs

Stafford County Crash Facts for 2011 There are 87,756 total licensed drivers. There were 1,981 reportable crashes. Out of those 1,981 reportable crashes, 414 of them involved teens between the ages of In Va. there were 57 fatalities involving teens between the ages of Stafford County last year had no teen fatalities. Source:DMV Crash facts of Virginia

Top 5 Young Driver Actions Contributing to Crashes for 2011

Why Teens are at Risk 1. Driver inexperience. 2. Risk-taking behavior. 3. High risk situations (e.g., weather, night driving). 4. Alcohol and drug use. 5. Decision making, Impulse Control and Multitasking put teens at a higher risk because their brains havent maturely developed at this age.

Virginia Has Laws to Protect Our Teens Graduated Licensing Passenger Limitation Restrictions First year of license: One passenger who is less than 18 years old Second year of license: Three passengers who are less than 18 years old

Graduated Licensing Curfew Restrictions Cannot drive between the hours of midnight and 4:00 a.m.

Accidents Involving Youth Drivers Between the Hours of 12:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m. in Stafford County

Cell phone use for Provisional License Holders Except in a driver emergency or when the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped, the holder of a provisional drivers license shall not operate a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth while using any cellular telephone or any other wireless telecommunications device, regardless of whether such device is or is not hand-held.

Texting While Driving It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of Virginia while: Communicating with another person either text messaging or through a handheld communication device.

Safety Belts Required use for: 1. Drivers 2 Front seat Passengers 3. As of July 1, 2010 all occupants under the age of 18. The driver is cited unless the person is licensed. Fact: In Virginia last year there were 28 fatalities involving teens between the ages of that were not wearing a seat belt.

On behalf of the men and women of the Stafford Sheriffs Office, we thank you for helping us make our community and our roads Safe.

Internet Resources YOVASO (Youth of Va. Speak Out) Survive the Drive The Art of Driving Parent teen contract Guides Parents on ways to have an active role in your teens driving abilities Geico Youth At Risk