Having a teen reach the age where they can start driving often represents one of the proudest and most anxious moments for parents. Although parents enjoy seeing their children mature and become independent, they may also worry about the risk of their teens being involved in accidents while driving. Fortunately, parents can play a primary role in teaching auto safety to their teen drivers.
Wisconsin Teen Driving Laws
Once a Wisconsin teenager turns 15, they may apply for an instruction permit upon completing or enrolling in a state-approved driver education course. The course must begin within 60 days of the date the teen’s driving instructor certifies their license application. Teens applying for an instruction permit must pass the written knowledge and highway signs test and undergo vision screening.
Teens can apply for a probationary license if they meet the following requirements:
- Have an instruction permit for at least six months
- Remain traffic violation-free in the six months preceding the probationary license application
- Accumulate at least 50 hours of driving experience, with at least 10 hours occurring at night
- Complete an approved driver education course
- Have a parent or adult sponsor certify completion of driving experience requirements
Preparing Your Teen to Get Behind the Wheel
Parents or guardians can prepare for their teens to start driving by having extensive conversations about driving safety, including encouraging teens to obey traffic laws and the restrictions imposed by their driver’s license. They can also set an example for teens by following traffic laws and safe driving practices in their teens’ presence.
Teaching Safe Driving Habits
Parents and guardians should remember to enforce safe driving habits when supervising a new teen driver, including:
- Defensive driving techniques
- Avoiding distractions behind the wheel, especially cell phones
- Obeying speed limits and adjusting vehicle speed in response to road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions
- Consistent seat belt use
- Zero-tolerance policies for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including urging teens to call for a ride if they ever consume alcohol or drugs rather than trying to drive themselves home
Practicing Driving
Parents and guardians should consider how to structure their teen’s practice sessions behind the wheel. In addition to ensuring teens get the required nighttime driving experience, they should expose teens to other driving conditions, such as highway driving or driving in adverse weather, in a safe or controlled environment. Empty parking lots, less busy roads, and off-peak hours are among the most favorable conditions for teens to practice driving. Parents can sign their teens up for driver education programs beyond those required for licensure, including defensive driving courses or safe driving programs aimed at teens.
Common Parental Concerns
Parents and guardians should also openly discuss concerns with their teens, such as managing peer pressure to engage in illegal or unsafe activity behind the wheel. They should also stress the legal and financial implications of driving, such as the potential for causing accidents through careless or reckless behavior.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney Today
If your teen driver was involved in an auto accident, your family needs experienced legal representation from a car accident attorney who can protect your rights. Contact Atterbury, Kammer & Haag, S.C., today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our legal team to discuss your family’s options after your teen’s car crash.