My kids have been chatting with me and my wife about their Christmas presents. Thankfully, we are still in that stage where the gifts list is abundant but not mandatory. Why do I say “thankfully” about an abundant list? Because we love to spend time doing our shopping. Also, as you may know, at one point, the list is just one item: money, a car, money, or a car! 😊
I am sure many students are probably getting ready to take that driver’s license (DL) test and hopefully get a car for Christmas/Holidays. And I am sure a lot of anxiety is building up in you, parents. So, please make sure to remind your students about some good information they need to know if they are new driver’s license holders.
All drivers must follow the same rules, but teen drivers have more rules that apply to them:
- During the first six months after obtaining their DL, the driver can not have any passengers under the age of 21 (unless the passenger is a parent)
- During the following six months, only one passenger under the age of 21 is authorized (Some exceptions apply).
- All teen drivers and passengers must wear seat belts (Traffic Code).
- (From the Teen Driving Restrictions – Colorado DOT) – Teens under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving. Teens can be fined and may risk losing their licenses. Exceptions include emergency calls to the police or fire department.
- Teens are not to drive at all if they have consumed any amount of alcohol at all. Even the slightest amount of alcohol on a minor is punishable by law.
So, in the middle of the excitement of having a DL and a vehicle, please make sure to talk to your students about these rules. I’ve seen a few students with passengers in their vehicles when they were not supposed to have any. I’ve chatted with them, and hopefully, they understand I am doing this for their benefit.
Let’s keep working hard to keep our students safe! I am very thankful for having the opportunity to be part of your student’s stories. If you have questions, please email me at gabe.uribe@stemk12.org, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Stay warm, and I hope you are enjoying the FIFA World Cup.
GO SPARTANS!
Be safe!
Deputy Gabe