Wisconsin, like other states, has a graduated license law. The Wisconsin graduated license law puts restrictions on new drivers. One of those restrictions is to limit who may ride with a teenage driver who is under the age of 18 and who has had his or her license for nine months or less. Specifically, during a teen’s first nine months with a probationary license, he or she can only have one passenger other than immediate family, qualified driving instructors, and adults over the age of 21 who have held valid licenses for at least two years.
Should There Be Passenger Restrictions for Teen Drivers?
Research has shown that having passengers in the car can be distracting for teens. The young driver may find it difficult to talk to his or her friends and drive safely. In some circumstances, passengers may also exert peer pressure on the driver and encourage the driver to show off and make unsafe decisions while behind the wheel. It is for these reasons that Wisconsin, and other states, have limited the passengers who may travel with new teen drivers.
However, CBS News reports that a recent study found that the absence of passengers may also be a risk for new teen drivers. The study found that a teen driver who is alone in the car is more likely to use a cell phone while driving than he or she is when driving with other passengers in the car.
What You Should Know As a Parent
As a parent, it is important to encourage your child to comply with Wisconsin state laws and to understand that passengers may be a risk for your child. However, it is also important for your child to understand the risks of driving alone, the risks of driving while distracted, and what to do if he or she is hurt in a car accident.
If your child has been injured in a car accident then we encourage you to contact an experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyer today at (414) 223-4800 or (800) 800-5678 today for a FREE consultation. You can also learn more about your child’s rights in our FREE book, The Ultimate Guide for Automobile Accident Victims.
