Most of us were behind the wheel at age 16 driving at all hours of the day and night with as many of our friends in our vehicle as we could fit. The radio was blaring with the cassette player playing our favorite ’80s songs and we took to the streets like we owned them.

I can remember fitting 17 friends into my Mom’s station wagon and driving to Taco Bell after gymnastics practice. The thought of worrying if everyone had their seat belt on wasn’t on my mind or my passenger’s. Those days are gone and I don’t know about you, but I’m so glad they are.

Young teen drivers all over Michigan woke up today with another new rule book attached to their driver’s license. Now when they sit in the driver’s seat and buckle up, they will have a new set of rules they must follow.

The Michigan Graduated Driver Licensing program has instigated limits on the number of passengers in a vehicle. As of today, teen drivers are not allowed to have more than one non-family member under the age of 21 in their vehicle, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or another adult age 21 or over who has been approved by a parent. The only exceptions are for teens driving to or from school or school-sanctioned events.

Other provisions include prohibiting new teen drivers from driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless they are driving to or from work. Previously, teen drivers were allowed to drive until midnight.

Some think these restrictions are too tough on young drivers, while others, such as AAA Michigan, strongly support these new rules.

I would hope our Shelby-Utica Patch parents all support these laws and will undoubtedly make sure our kids know about them right away. Teen drivers are the most dangerous drivers on the road according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the risks can rise as the teen has passengers.

These laws are there to keep our kids safe, and to keep other drivers on the road safe too.

So do you agree? Are the laws necessary for the safety of our streets? Should young drivers have such restrictions? Could you add a few more restrictions to the list and if so, what would they be? Do you feel it is too much and you would welcome the days of driving carefree back for your teen?

Our Mom’s Council is here today to discuss this topic with you. We’re hoping to hear from parents today on your thoughts on the new laws, your thoughts on your teen driver and your concerns for the safety of our streets today.

Source: shelby-utica.patch.com