As a parent, it is normal to feel anxious about your teen getting behind the wheel of a car as early as 15 ½ years old. To obtain a Youth Operator’s License in NH, teens under the age of 18 need only complete a driver’s education course and a minimum of 40 hours of practice driving.  As a parent, you can take additional precautions to help keep your teen safe on the roads.

Help your teen minimize driving distractions

• Do not call or text while they are driving; instead, ask them to communicate their arrival at their destination
• Instruct your teen to keep their phone in the center console when driving
• Encourage your teen to select music before driving away
• To avoid the distractions of incoming texts, have them set their phones to provide an automated “away message” when ever the car’s Bluetooth is activated.

Create a Parent/Teen “Driving Agreement” (recommended by insurance companies)

• Establish rules for safe driving
• Offer to be a safe ride home if your teen does not feel comfortable driving
• Limit your teen from driving late at night, in hazardous weather, or with many passengers

Be a Lawful Driving Example

• When driving always follow traffic laws and wear a seat belt
• Point out safe driving habits when you are the operator
• If you do not stop at stop signs, your teen likely will not either!

Although certain Youth Operator License Restrictions are mandated by the state, including prohibiting driving between 1:00 – 4:00 a.m. and restrictions on driving with more than one passenger under the age of 25, taking extra precautions to keep your teen safe is always wise.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teens and can cause life-altering injuries. If you or your teen has been involved in a car accident, Wescott Law’s experienced attorneys, Allison Ambrose, Kathrine Lacey and Sarah Rubury can assist by providing zealous representation and practical advice.  Wescott Law offers free consultations for driving citations and personal injury matters.