Teen drivers need to learn cell phone laws
Dear Lindsay,
I am the mom of a teen daughter who just got her driver’s
license. When the new cell phone law takes effect, she won’t be
able to use her cell phone even with a hands-free headset while
driving, but I am worried she will anyway. What can I do to
encourage her not to use it?
-Lawfully Scared Parent
Teen drivers need to learn cell phone laws
Dear Lindsay,
I am the mom of a teen daughter who just got her driver’s license. When the new cell phone law takes effect, she won’t be able to use her cell phone even with a hands-free headset while driving, but I am worried she will anyway. What can I do to encourage her not to use it?
-Lawfully Scared Parent
Dear Lawfully Scared Parent,
A lot of teens are unsure of the law which took effect Tuesday. This new law says that a licensed driver under the age of 18 is prohibited from using their cell phone at any time while driving, unless it is an emergency. All drivers over the age of 18 must use a hands-free talking device while driving a vehicle. Let your daughter know the reasons for the law and that it was passed to keep everyone safe on the road. Tell her talking on the phone or texting while driving are dangerous and could cause an accident that could severely hurt or fatally injure both her and others. Let her know what is considered an emergency and if she must make a call to pull over.
Dear Lindsay,
I live in Hollister, but a few of my friends live in Gilroy or San Jose. Whenever we try to get together, they always want to plan something in San Jose and I need to drive the furthest. What can I do to get them to come down here once in a while?
-Gas Stricken
Dear gas Stricken,
Gas prices are ridiculously high now. You need to tell them the cost of gas is keeping you from getting to where you want to go. They should understand. If they want to hang out with you, they need to sacrifice just like you are. In town, you can go to the movies or hang out with each other at your house. Maybe they could chip in for gas money. If they live in Gilroy or San Jose, why not do something in between, such as bowling in Morgan Hill?
Dear Lindsay,
I have a friend who never comes to any barbecues or parties I throw, but when she decides she wants to hang out with me she gets really snotty if I can’t hang out right when she wants to. How can I tell her that her behavior frustrates me and seems selfish?
-Hypocritical Friend
Dear Hypocritical friend,
Let her know straight up her attitude is not cool. If she’s not going to be fair, then let her know you’re not going to hang out with her. With friendship, things need to be equal. Nobody likes a hypocrite.
Dear Lindsay,
I am leaving for college in the fall. Is there anything I should do this summer to best prepare for moving out of the house and starting college?
-Priming for College
Dear Priming for College,
One of the most important things you may need is extra cash. College life means being in the real world, which sadly is ruled by money. No matter what it’s for, extra cash is always good in case of an emergency. Also, get to know your surroundings. If you’re going to be living on a college campus, make sure you know who and what is around you, like streets and local markets and other places you may need to go for. It’s always good to be prepared.
