October 19, 2009

Parents reminded to monitor teen driving during National Teen Driving Week

OLYMPIA — The Department of Licensing is encouraging parents of teen drivers to be actively involved in their teen's progression of driving skills, and gradually increase driving privileges as teens gain experience.

“Car crashes are the biggest killer of our nation's teens, and they are at highest risk in their first year of driving,” DOL Director Liz Luce said. “If parents set limits and guidelines for their teens and gradually introduce more driving privileges as their skills improve, parents can greatly reduce the risk for their teen.”

Washington adopted an intermediate license program in 2001. It imposes several restrictions for drivers under the age of 18 during their first year of driving. These restrictions include:

• No passengers under the age of 20 for the first six months (family members excluded)
• No more than three passengers under the age of 20 for the second six months (family members excluded)
• No driving between 1 and 5 a.m. for the first year

A video further explaining the Intermediate Driver License is available on DOL's YouTube channel at youtube.com/walicensing.

DOL also has included helpful resources for parents on their webpage, dol.wa.gov. That's where parents will find the Teen Driving Handbook for Parents, as well as a Parent-Teen Driving Contract. The website also has information for parents to better understand the risks of teen driving, and tips about how establish limits on their teen's driving privileges.

National Teen Driving Week is recognized annually during the third week in October. On October 6, Governor Gregoire signed a proclamation declaring this week as Teen Driver Safety Week in Washington State.