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Jed Boal ReportingCar crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers, but a new law aims to give young drivers more experience behind the wheel.
It's up to parents to protect their children as they start to drive. So AAA put out a new brochure on Utah's Graduated Driver licensing to cut through any confusion about this new law that, ultimately, should save lives.
The new law allows teens to get a learner's permit at age 15 so they have a whole year to practice before getting a driver license. In addition, the young driver has to hold the learner's permit at least six months before getting licensed. The driver will be required to obtain a learner's permit prior to participating in behind-the-wheel training through a driver education program. An individual must be at least 16 to apply for the driver license.
AAA think this approach will make safer drivers.
Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Spokesperson: "Well, parents really are the first line of defense in their teens' safety. And if they make sure that they really, carefully within their families enforce the graduated drivers licensing provisions, this is really very, very important."
Teen drivers must also follow existing passenger limitation and nighttime driving restrictions of the graduated driver licensing law.
Teen drivers make up 7.7 percent of drivers in Utah, according to AAA, but they're responsible more than 26-percent of all crashes.
This brochure is available at all Driver License Divisions and AAA offices throughout the state.
