Police: It's not OK to let teens drive alone on permits

By: Marsha A. stoltz
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... When is a teen drive with a leaner's permit allowed to operate a vehicle in New Jersey without adult supervision?
..... Answer: Never.
..... Apparently that is news to parents as well as their teen drivers, according to Ridgewood Police Chief Jacqueline Luthche. Se says Ridgewood's Traffic Safety Bureau is reporting multiple incidents in which high school students are stopped for careless driving and found to be violating a number of conditions on their permits.
..... And the parents as well as their teen drivers apparently think that's OK.
..... "These students have been driving to and from school as well as driving around after school, without being accompanied by an adult supervision driver, as required by law," Luthcke said. "After conversations with the student drivers as well as parents, we have found that this is considered an acceptable practice."
..... Janet Ruiz, who is with the Insurance Information Institute, says it is a common misconception that there are no safety or financial consequences for unlicensed teen drivers operating a vehicle near their home.
..... "Accidents are more likely near home because drivers are familiar with the area and not paying close attention," Ruiz said. "The Center for Disease Control lists motor vehicle crashes as the second leading causes of death among teens."
..... Other contributing factors for higher crash risks among young drivers are night driving and distractions from teen passengers, Ruiz said. Both are restricted under New Jersey's three-stage graduated Drive License program for 1) Leaner's Permit 2) Examination Permit; and 3) Probationary License.
..... According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission "Share the Keys Teen Driver Guide," student drivers must have:
* A front passenger seat adult driver at least age 21 who has been fully licensed for at least three years.
* Only one back seat passenger: Driver's parent/guardian or dependent.
* No use of cellphones, hand held games or other hand-held electronic devices.
* No driving between 11:00 PM. and 5 AM. (unless driver is carrying legible documentation on employer or religious organization letterhead explaining reasons for and exemption).
* GDL,red reflector on front and rear license plates.
* Seat belts worn at all times.
..... Luthche said the consequences of students caught driving in violation of these rules include:
* Suspension of permit for up to six months.
* Criminal record and fines for driving vehicle without parent permission.
* Insurance will not cover damages to vehicles, property or people.
..... Ruiz added that insures might limit the student's future inseparability, or even cancel the parent's insurance policy.
..... "We cannot stress how unsafe and illegal this is," Luthche said. "We would like to take this opportunity to inform both the parents and the children the consequences of these actions."
..... For more information contact the Ridgewood Traffic Safety Bureau at 201-251-4540.

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