Ohio Law Limits Teen Passengers

According to the Public Safety Department, 16-year-old drivers were at fault in 85 percent of the fatal crashes in which they were involved in 2006.

And, among 16- and 17-year-olds, one passenger in an automobile statistically doubled the risk of a crash occurring. Traffic crashes are the number one killer of teenagers.

Consider the following national statistics:

* Two of every five teens dying in America do so as the result of a traffic crash

* Total costs associated with traffic deaths for children 14 and younger amounts to $11,000,000,000 annually

* 60 percent of teen traffic crashes occur on roadways with posted speed limits of 40 miles per hour or less

* Three-fourths of all traffic crashes occur within 25 miles of the victim's home.

Provisions of the law include:

* Drivers under 17 may have only one non-family passenger, unless the driver is accompanied by their parent or guardian

* 17- and 18-year-olds are forbidden from driving between 1 and 5 a.m., unless they are accompanied by their parent or guardian (exceptions include travel to and from school activities or job, with documentation provided by employers)

* Probationary license holders 16 and younger may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless they are accompanied by their parent or guardian (exceptions include travel to and from school activities or job, with documentation provided by employers)

* Temporary instruction permit holders 17 and younger may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless they are accompanied by their parent or guardian who holds a valid license

* Passengers under the age of 15 must use approved restraint systems, such as a seat belt.

* If a driver 16 and younger is convicted of a moving violation within the first six months after receiving their license, they will be required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian when driving for six months after the conviction or until the driver turns 17. (daily-jeff.com/news/article/1816271)

Considering these statistics, parents need to be more vigilant in protect their teens. Always know where your teen is and what he or she is doing. With a GPS unit installed in the teen's vehicle, you can always check to be sure your teen is safe. This is not a violation of your teen's privacy, this is your responsibility as a parent. Ohio is doing its part as a state to try to save the lives of teens. As a parent, do all you can to protect your teen.