Many states, including the Commonwealth of Virginia, restrict the number of passengers that teen drivers may have in the car. The laws are written this way because studies suggest that passengers may be a distraction and that peer pressure from passengers could lead young drivers to take unnecessary and unsafe risks. However, recent research also suggests that teen drivers who are alone in the car may be more likely to use a cell phone while driving and be distracted by electronic gadgets.
What Should You Do as a Parent?
As a parent, this news can be troubling and confusing. However, you are not helpless in the face of this conflicting information. You can take action. Specifically, it is important to:
- Encourage your child to comply with Virginia law and not to have more passengers in the car than are allowed by law.
- Talk to your child about the risks of driving alone and the risks of driving with passengers.
- Trust your instinct, and set your own family rules to keep your child safe.
Additionally, it is important to teach your child what to do if she is injured in an accident.
Call a Gainesville Car Accident Attorney if Your Child’s Been Hurt
If your child has been hurt by another driver, it is important to get accurate information about your child’s legal rights and possible recovery. For more information about your child’s rights, please contact an experienced Gainesville car accident lawyer today via this website or by calling 540-341-0007 or 888-907-2631 for a free consultation.
