1. What legislative measures have been taken to improve teen driver safety in Missouri?

In Missouri, there are several legislative measures that have been put in place to improve teen driver safety. These include the Graduated Driver License Law (GDL), which requires teens to complete a certain number of supervised hours behind the wheel before getting a full license, as well as a nighttime driving restriction, which prohibits drivers under the age of 17 from operating a vehicle between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by another licensed driver age 21 or older. Additionally, any teen driver found guilty of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is subject to an automatic six-month suspension of their license. Finally, Missouri also has a distracted driving law which prohibits drivers under the age of 21 from using their cell phones while driving.

2. How does Missouri measure up against other states in terms of teen driver safety?

Missouri is ranked as the 24th safest state for teen drivers in the U.S., according to a study conducted by WalletHub. The study compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 21 key metrics, ranging from number of teen driver fatalities to presence of impaired-driving laws. Missouri scored an overall rank of 24, with a score of 42.03 out of a possible 100 points. Missouri performed well in terms of presence of graduated driver licensing laws, but it lagged behind other states in terms of teen driver fatality rate.

3. What are the most common causes of teen driver fatalities in Missouri?

The most common causes of teen driver fatalities in Missouri are distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding.

4. What proactive steps can parents in Missouri take to ensure their teens are safe drivers?

Parents in Missouri can take several proactive steps to ensure their teens are safe drivers, such as:

1. Set a good example. Make sure you wear your seatbelt, obey all speed limits and traffic laws, and practice defensive driving techniques.

2. Talk to your teen about the importance of driving safely. Have an open dialogue with them about the risks posed by distracted driving, drinking and driving, and other traffic violations.

3. Encourage your teen to take a driver’s education course and practice driving in a variety of situations.

4. Consider enrolling your teen in a driver monitoring program which tracks their driving habits such as speed, acceleration, and braking.

5. Set rules for your teen’s driving behavior such as no cell phone use while driving, no passengers under 21, and no driving after midnight or during bad weather.

6. Regularly check your teen’s driving record to make sure they aren’t getting into any trouble on the road.

5. Does Missouri have any teen driver education programs in place?

Yes, Missouri does have teen driver education programs in place. The Missouri Department of Revenue provides a comprehensive guide to the state’s teen driver education programs. The guide includes information about the types of driver education courses available, how to register for a course, and the requirements for taking a course. Additionally, the guide outlines the rules and regulations pertaining to teens and driving in Missouri.

6. Are there any laws in Missouri that require teens to complete driver education courses?

Yes, the state of Missouri requires teens between the ages of 15 and 18 to complete a driver education course before they can obtain their driver’s license.

7. What are the primary laws governing teen driving in Missouri?

The primary laws governing teen driving in Missouri are:

• The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program: This program requires teens to satisfy certain requirements before they can obtain a full driver’s license and provides for three levels of licensing: Instructional Permit, Intermediate License, and Full Driver License.

• Curfew: Teens under the age of 17 must not be on the road between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. on any day, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• Passengers: For the first six months of driving, teens must not carry any passengers other than immediate family. After six months, no more than three passengers are allowed at any time.

• Cell Phone Use: Teens under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, except in cases of emergency or if they are using a Bluetooth device.

8. What are the current penalties for teen drivers who violate driving laws in Missouri?

The penalties for teen drivers who violate driving laws in Missouri vary depending on the offense. For example, a first-time conviction of underage drinking and driving carries a 1-year driver’s license revocation and a $500 fine. Driving without a license carries a $200 fine for a first offense. Texting while driving carries a $200 fine for a first offense. Operating a motor vehicle without proof of insurance carries a $200 fine for a first offense. Finally, excessive speeding carries fines ranging from $50 to $250 depending on the severity of the violation.

9. Does Missouri have any restrictions on when and where teenage drivers may operate a vehicle?

Yes, Missouri does have restrictions on when and where teenage drivers may operate a vehicle. For drivers under the age of 18, they are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. without adult supervision. Additionally, teenage drivers may not transport more than one passenger under the age of 18 unless accompanied by an adult or parent.

10. What are the consequences for teens who violate distracted driving laws in Missouri?

The consequences for teens who violate distracted driving laws in Missouri vary depending on the specific offense. For a first-time offense, a driver may receive a fine of up to $200 and a suspended license for 30 days. Subsequent offenses can result in more substantial fines and longer license suspensions. Additionally, all drivers who are convicted of violating the state’s distracted driving laws will receive two points on their driving record.

11. Does Missouri require a minimum number of supervised driving hours for teen drivers?

Yes, Missouri does require a minimum number of supervised driving hours for teen drivers. The state requires a total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving.

12. Are there any restrictions on the number of passengers that teens can carry while driving in Missouri?

Yes. According to the Missouri Driver Guide, teens may not carry any passengers under the age of 19 for the first six months after receiving their license, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. For the following six months, teens may only carry one passenger under the age of 19. After the first year of driving, teens may carry up to three passengers under the age of 19.

13. What is the minimum age for teens to get a learner’s permit in Missouri?

In Missouri, the minimum age to get a learner’s permit is 15 ½ years old.

14. Are there any laws in Missouri that require teens to wear seat belts while driving?

Yes. According to Missouri law, all drivers and passengers aged 8-15 must wear a seat belt or an appropriate child restraint device while riding in a motor vehicle.

15. Does Missouri have any nighttime restrictions for teenage drivers?

Yes, Missouri does have nighttime restrictions for teenage drivers. Teenagers who hold a learner’s permit must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 years or older whenever they are driving between 1:00am and 5:00am.

16. Does Missouri allow teens to use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving?

No, Missouri does not allow teens to use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving. Missouri state law bans all drivers from texting while driving and prohibits drivers under age 21 from using any type of cell phone or other electronic devices while driving.

17. How can parents and guardians help their teens become better drivers in Missouri?

Parents and guardians can help their teens become better drivers in Missouri by encouraging them to practice defensive driving and obeying the speed limit. Additionally, they should make sure their teen is familiar with the state’s graduated driver licensing laws, which includes a number of restrictions such as limits on night driving and the number of passengers a teen can have in the car. They should also discuss the dangers of texting while driving, distracted driving, and substance abuse while behind the wheel. Finally, they should ensure their teen knows how to properly maintain their vehicle in order to ensure it is safe to drive in all conditions.

18. Is there any available data on teen driver fatalities in Missouri over the past 5 years?

Yes, the Missouri Department of Transportation has data on teen driver fatalities in Missouri over the past 5 years. The data is available on their website: https://www.modot.org/teen-driver-safety/crash-data

19. Are there any state-funded incentives available to encourage responsible teen driving in Missouri?

Yes, there are state-funded incentives available to encourage responsible teen driving in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Transportation has a Teen Driver Safety Program which provides grants to organizations and schools to promote safe driving among teens. The program also offers educational materials to schools and organizations relating to teen driving safety. Additionally, the highway patrol provides a free 45-minute interactive presentation to high school students to promote safe driving behaviors.

20. Does Missouri have any programs that provide discounts on auto insurance for teen drivers?

Yes, the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration offers the Missouri Safe Driver Insurance Plan (MSDIP). The plan provides discounts to teen drivers who successfully complete a driver education course or a defensive driving course. Discounts are also available to drivers who have no at-fault accidents or moving violations in a three-year period.