The roads can be dangerous for all drivers, but teenagers bear the highest risk of car accidents and risky driving behaviors. The highest risk is for teens 16-19 with inexperience, lack of seat belts, distracted driving, and speeding contributing to the fatalities. Mississippi has some of the highest fatalities among teen drivers with over 36% of their accidents having a fatality.
As one of the nation’s leaders in teen fatalities involving driving, the state officials came up with a bill to require driver’s education courses to be mandatory for high school students. Giving first-time applicants the requirement to pass driver’s education courses will keep the streets safer and give new drivers the tools to make smarter choices while on the road.
Understanding the New Law
On May 10th, Senate Bill 2695 was signed into law, and it will require a driver’s license applicant to complete a driver education program and require high schools to offer a driver education course. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety will also be required to establish a driver education program to serve home school students and adults without a license who have not taken a driver’s education course. Students enrolled in driver’s education courses are not required to have a learner’s permit, which opens the classes to all students, even students who are 14. All students will be able to learn how to be safe on the road and have experience behind the wheel on a controlled course.
Who is Impacted by the New Requirement?
The most significant impact of this bill will be on the student drivers themselves. Giving students access to a safe vehicle and a patient instructor to teach them the best ways that they can handle different scenarios while out on the road will prepare them for the eventuality of being behind the wheel. Having formal education on the state’s driving laws and bringing awareness to the statistics they face will let students make decisions that can keep them and everyone around them safe on the road.
This also impacts the school systems on a financial level. The state superintendent has been instructed and tasked with preparing an estimated budget and fiscal report of any expenses related to the implementation of the program. Ensuring that the program can be adequately funded and won’t be too financially burdensome on smaller school districts.
When Does the Law Go into Effect?
Senate Bill 2695 will make driver’s ed mandatory in public high schools starting 2026-2027.
The Department of Public Safety must establish its program for homeschoolers and first-time license applicants by July 1, 2026.
Why Driver’s Education Matters
Car crashes are some of the leading causes of death for teens, accounting for one-third of all deaths that can be prevented. About 75% of serious teen crashes are due to critical and human errors that can be prevented with a formal driver’s education.
- 11% of fatal teen crashes involved distracted driving
- 59% of teen passenger deaths occurred with a teen driver
- 54% of teen crash deaths weren’t wearing a seatbelt
- 28% of fatal teen crashes involved speeding
Driver’s education programs are designed to teach teen drivers the rules of the road and prepare them to become safe drivers.
Safe Driving Practices
As a parent, when your child starts driving, the first question that rolls through your mind is, “What can I do to keep my teen driver safe on the road?”
Be a role model! Practice safe driving habits and talk to your teen about them while modeling the behaviors.
- Set ground rules and consequences for your teen driver
- Share important tips and statistics about driving on the road with them.
- Talk about peer pressure. Studies have shown that teens are more likely to engage in risky behavior while driving with another teen in the car than driving alone.
- Ensuring that they have the education and experience to handle driving in different situations
Accidents Happen: We Can Help
Accidents do happen, even to the most cautious of us, and when your teen driver is involved in an accident, you don’t have to face this fear alone. At Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, we have the experience to help you navigate your family through this complicated time.
Having a car accident lawyer in the state of Mississippi on your side will ensure that you get the compensation that you are entitled to and not what the insurance company thinks you deserve. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation because you need someone you can turn to who will put you and your loved ones first.
