Teenagers
as a group have more accidents than most other drivers
averaging twice as many accidents as adult drivers,
while driving only half as many miles. This makes the
teenage accident rate per mile four times as great as
that of adult drivers.
Studies in the U.S.
and other countries show that a common factor in the
traffic deaths of new drivers is a deadly combination
of their inexperience, their lack of familiarity with
their car, and their need to push themselves and their
vehicle to the limit.
You have many limitations
when you first begin driving. You must think about every
movement of your body and car. Maneuvers such as steering,
which you must now concentrate on, will eventually become
habits that you do without thinking. As a new driver,
you will be focusing your attention on the basics of
driving. Don’t become over confident in your driving
ability. Don’t attempt unknown, or risky driving
maneuvers before you’ve had enough driving experience
to ensure your safety. Develop your ability to react
correctly and to control your car first .
You are taking a risk
if you attempt to drive when ill, sleepy, or upset.
Know when your driving ability is limited and drive
only when you have good control of your car.
Traffic
Violations Increase Accidents
Nearly half of all
new drivers 15 to 19 are convicted of a traffic violation
in their first year of driving.
Speeding (which often
results in loss of vehicle control) is the most common
moving violation for teenage drivers. About 50% of all
their traffic convictions are speed violations.
When you violate traffic
laws, you increase your chances of having an accident.
Teenage
Traffic Deaths
Drivers 15 to 19 years
old have very high traffic accident, injury,
and conviction rates. Traffic accidents are the
leading cause of death for teenagers. If you are under
18 years old, your risk of a fatal accident is about
21/2 times that of the “average” driver. Your
risk of an injury accident is three times higher than
the average driver.
How
To Keep Your Provisional License
The department will
be watching your driving record very closely and will
take actions based upon the accidents or violations
that appear on your driver record. Here is what will
happen:
- If you get a traffic ticket, but do not appear in
court DMV will suspend your driving privilege until
you appear in court.
- If you get a traffic ticket and fail to pay the
fine, DMV will suspend your driving privilege until
you pay the fine.
- If you have one “at fault” accident or
conviction within 12 months, the DMV will send you
a warning letter.
- After a second “at fault” accident or
conviction (or combination of both) within 12 months,
you cannot drive for 30 days unless accompanied by
your parent or other licensed adult who is at least
25 years of age.
- After a third “at fault” accident or conviction
(or any combination) within 12 months, you will be
suspended for six months and be placed on probation
for one year.
- If you have additional “at fault” accidents
or point count convictions while your driving privilege
is on probation, you will be suspended again. (Traffic
law violations resolved in Juvenile court are also
reported to DMV.)
- If you are convicted of using alcohol or a controlled
substance and you are between the ages of 13 and 21,
the court will tell DMV to suspend you for one year.
If you don’t have a driver license yet, the court
will tell DMV to make you wait a year longer before
you can apply for a license. You can also be required
to go to a DUI program.
Any restriction,
suspension or probation will continue past your 18th
birthday for its full term.
Other, stronger
actions can be taken if your driving record justifies
them. Remember, when your driving privilege has been
suspended or revoked, you may not drive in California
with any license or permit.
Vandalism—All
Ages
Vandalism is defacing
property with paint or any other liquid or by scraping
or writing on any surface. The court will suspend, restrict,
or delay for one year the driving privilege of a minor
age 13 years or older.
Adult drivers will
also have their licenses suspended for one year if convicted
of similar acts of vandalism.
Habitual
Truant—Persons Age 13 To 18
The court will suspend,
restrict, delay, or revoke your driving privilege for
one year if you are convicted of being a habitual truant
from school.
Possessing
Firearms
The court will:
- Suspend or revoke the driving privilege of any minor
convicted of possessing a concealable weapon or live
ammunition or
- Impose driver license sanctions for minors convicted
of misdemeanors involving firearms.
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