Finally getting a license opens a new chapter in students’ lives, freeing them from reliance on their parents and creating a newfound sense of independence. The possibilities can seem endless. But while being able to drive to the movies, the mall, or T-pumps may seem like examples of unbridled freedom, lurking in the background is a restrictive law. According to the official handbook of the Department of Motor Vehicles, “During the first 12 months after you are licensed, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and you cannot transport passengers under 20 years of age, unless you are accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, a licensed driver 25 years of age or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor.” Although there are exceptions, such as medical emergencies, students are not legally allowed to drive anyone else in their vehicles.
But while the law prohibits students from driving their peers around before they’ve had their license for 12 months, many students view the law as a “suggestion.”
“No one really follows that rule,” says Junior Shorwei Gong. “People mostly drive each other home, go to the mall, or downtown.”
But a study taken by the National Young Driver’s Association shows that 16t to 24-year -olds have a four time higher fatality rate than that of 25 to 69-year-olds, the safety of driving with other students in the car is debatable.
“When you are driving with your friends, you are distracted. To keep the conversation going, you make eye contact with your friends rather than focus on signals, pedestrians, and where you are going,” says Senior Kathryn DeWitt.
Convenience seems to be a major reason for students to neglect the law. “It’s annoying to spend 20 minutes to walk to get food after a long day,” says Junior Jackie Pei.
We aren’t doing it because it’s against the law or anything- it’s just convenient,” says Junior Johan Paulino. “Are you supposed to deny a friend a ride home and make her wait another couple of hours?”
Even though she chooses not to obey the law in its entirety, Paulino understands the responsibility placed on the driver, and set safe boundaries for herself.
“I won’t drive anyone on the highway and limit it only to short distance,” says Paulino.
If caught driving other student illegally, a student’s license can be revoked. Paulino thinks this actually encourages her to drive better with other students in the car.
“You actually drive more safely and carefully [with friends in the car] so you don’t stand out,” she explains.
While the law prohibits what it deems “unsafe driving,” it is mostly up to students’ parents to monitor the driving habits of their teens and enforce the rules.
“It’s basically, you drive [your friends] once, your parents catch you, and you don’t do it again,” says Senior Rahul Joshi, whose parents are firm believers of the law.
Other parents are more lenient and trust their children to make smart decisions. Either way, the outcome and safety of a situation depends ultimately on the individual himself. As the power of the law and warnings of parents can only extend so far to protect students, it all boils down to the individual and the decisions he makes. When getting into a car with another student, or driving a friend, there’s never a reason not to ask oneself, “Am I making the right decision?”
