Turning 16 is perhaps one of the most monumental occurrences in a teenager’s life. Not only are you a year older, but you are of age to obtain a Georgia driver’s license. Most young adults fail to realize that driving isn’t simply a rite of passage. Before operating a motor vehicle, it is important that one fully comprehends the dangers associated with automobiles. For that reason, Joshua’s Law was passed in January of 2007 requiring a driver’s education course to be completed before 16-year-olds are able to obtain a Class D license. These driver’s education courses must be approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Those who do not wish to partake in a driver’s ed course have the option of waiting until they turn 17 years old to obtain their license, but driver’s education courses are very important when preparing to operate a motor vehicle.
Unfortunately, the leading cause of death for teenagers is that of motor vehicle wrecks. 16-year-old drivers have a higher crash rate than drivers of any other age. Therefore, it is important to be fully educated in vehicle and road safety before operating a vehicle.
Operating a vehicle is oftentimes very intimidating for teenagers. Completing a driver’s education course prior to obtaining one’s license will help teenagers develop rudimentary vehicle control and traffic maneuvers. It teaches students how to safely operate a vehicle on busy interstates, at night, and during other dangerous driving circumstances. Although it may seem unimportant, driver’s education stresses the importance of adjusting a vehicle’s steering wheel, seat, and rear and side-view mirrors. It also allows for teens to practice communicating while driving, entering and exiting traffic, using turn lanes, changing lanes, and adjusting their vehicles’ speeds when necessary. In addition to practicing driving, teenagers learn about various traffic signals and markings on the roadway. Perhaps the most important skill to develop as a Georgia driver is the ability to foresee hazards and unsafe situations. Other drivers and conditions are oftentimes much more dangerous than your own driving ability, but many young drivers are not experienced enough to identify potential dangers from other Georgia drivers.
At Jones & Swanson, most of our staff members are parents so we understand the need for Georgia teens to complete approved driver’s education courses prior to operating a vehicle on their own. If making Georgia roads safer is not enough incentive for parents to require their teenagers to comprehend what is taught in driver’s ed courses, perhaps saving money is. Most automobile insurance carriers offer discounts for drivers that have completed driver’s education courses, as well as good driver discounts to reward safe drivers.
Because our Marietta law firm specializes in representing victims of Georgia car crashes, we believe it is important to take as many precautions as possible to make our roads safer. Our injured clients were not at fault for an accident, which means another driver made a mistake that caused significant injury to another person. If you or someone you know have experienced injuries in a Georgia car crash, contact our office today at (770) 427-5498 for information on what to do next.
