Written By Jennifer Pell
Handing over the cash or keys for a motor vehicle is an important part of growing up for many American teens. There’s a huge level of responsibility attached to motoring; despite this, many young drivers don’t take this responsibility to heart. For instance, 10% of drunk driving fatalities are caused by drivers under 21.
Juvenile delinquency has a complex and sensitive interaction with family law. Dealing with the range of motoring offenses in a way that is sufficiently punitive while safeguarding your child’s development – and their road safety – can be a difficult process. Proper management starts with organizational skills.
Enabling your child – and protecting them
Before your child sets foot on the road, there are a few boxes to tick off. Comprehensive insurance should take stock of the vehicle type, whether they have a small family car or are driving a truck. It’s also worth taking a look at motoring laws in your state; many older drivers have a lower awareness of driving laws when they drive safely for years. Check in with the AAA to ensure that you’re following relevant state laws and that your kid has an awareness.
Avoiding, and managing, juvenile delinquency
Juvenile delinquency is, fortunately, down on previous years; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention note that rates dropped 6% on 2016. However, the same statistics note that over 6,000 minors are detained every year for driving under the influence, among other offenses. For these cases, family law plays an important part; both in effecting remediation of your child and ensuring it doesn’t happen again. A well argued family law case can be the difference between a child going to a juvenile facility and a family-oriented rehabilitation program.
Safeguarding them in other vehicles
With the likes of sports practice, events with friends and weekend road trips, it’s likely your child will end up in the car of friends and relatives. This presents a difficult proposition if the friend is involved in juvenile delinquency or if there’s an accident with your child in the car. While criminal law will do much to dispute the proceedings of the event itself, traumatic incidences such as an RTA can have an impact both ways, between family law and criminal justice.
Driving is an important part of life for many Americans, and a rite of passage for teens. However, it can be a dangerous proposition when not taken to responsibly. Ensure your child is up to date with the relevant laws, and look to family law to help resolve problems and disputes when they occur.