Why Pennsylvania Teens Shouldn’t Drive at Night

August 3, 2021

Young Driver Restrictions in Pennsylvania

Every young person dreams of the day they can finally begin practicing their driving skills and test for a license. However, it is not uncommon to be shocked by the restrictions that come with this privilege. Although Pennsylvania is a bit more lenient on drivers with a junior license (often referred to as a "provisional license" in other areas), the state is adamant about young drivers staying off the roads late at night. Here is what you need to know.


What is the Nighttime Driving Restriction?

With both a learner's permit and junior license, young drivers are not permitted to be on the roads between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am. Few exemptions do apply, however, including:

  • Employment.
  • Volunteer activity.
  • Charitable service.

If a driver under 18 is on the road for one of these exemptions, they must remember to have appropriate documentation noting why. They should also drive the shortest route to and from their place of activity without making unnecessary stops.


What Makes Nighttime Driving So Dangerous?

Over the years, many states have implemented nighttime driving restrictions for young drivers because of the increased risk of crashes late at night. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), about 40% of teen driver fatalities occurred between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am in 2019 alone. Here are a few things to remember:


It's important to understand that there is to be an overall increase in crashes for drivers of all ages from the after-work rush hour until the next morning. On a larger scale, about one-third of all driver fatalities occur in these hours.


You Want to Protect Your Kids— We Can Help.

At Slusser Law Firm, we are committed to protecting your family by doing whatever it takes to get you the desired results in your case. If you or a loved one sustains an injury in a car crash, no matter the time of day, we will be here to provide the dedicated and compassionate representation you deserve.


Call to schedule a consultation with a member of our team to discuss your legal options.

January 20, 2025
The holidays are a time to hit the road and visit loved ones, but winter weather doesn’t always make things easy. Snow, ice, and long road trips can lead to accidents, especially when you’re driving through unfamiliar areas. Getting in an accident is already stressful – and being far from home can make it even more complicated. Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself in an accident while traveling out of town – and how Slusser Law Firm can help. Focus on safety first If you’re in an accident, especially in winter conditions, take a moment to check that everyone in your car is safe. Move to a safer location if possible, especially on icy roads where other drivers might be having a hard time stopping. Call emergency services if anyone is injured, and get medical attention as soon as possible if you need it. Health comes first. Collect important details Documenting the accident is key – no matter where you are. Take photos of the accident scene, road conditions, and vehicle damage. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s) involved, if any, and get the names and contact details of any witnesses. Know your rights – even out of state Here’s where things get a bit more complicated: If you’re in an accident outside of Pennsylvania, different state laws might come into play. Insurance rules, deadlines for reporting injuries, and liability laws can vary from state to state. While it may sound overwhelming, Slusser Law Firm is here to help you navigate these complexities and make sure you’re covered, even when things aren’t straightforward. Don’t wait to reach out for help After an accident, especially if you’re away from home, you may feel unsure about what to do next. Give us a call. We’ve got experience handling out-of-town cases, and we’ll walk you through every step to make sure your rights are protected. Our team is here to answer your questions and give you peace of mind during the holidays. Dealing with an accident far from home doesn’t have to be a headache. At Slusser Law Firm, we make sure that you’re well-informed and fully supported, no matter where you are. With our help, you can focus on what matters most this season: spending time with family, recovering, and enjoying the holiday spirit. If you have questions about holiday travel safety, accident claims, or anything in between, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re available 24/7 to help you stay prepared and protected.
January 13, 2025
If you're like most people, car insurance terms can feel like a different language. Insurance companies love to push "limited tort" because it’s cheaper – they say it’ll save you money now. But what they don’t tell you is that it could cost you way more in the long run if you ever get hurt in an accident. Let’s break it down.  What’s the difference between full tort and limited tort? Full Tort: This option lets you claim compensation for all of your losses, pain and suffering included, if you’re injured in an accident. Think of it as a full-access pass to the benefits you’re paying for. Limited Tort: Sure, it might lower your monthly premium, but there’s a big catch. With limited tort, you’re generally limited in what you can recover. You may still be able to claim for medical bills, but pain and suffering? Not so much. Unless your injuries are classified as “serious” – and proving that can be a tall order – you’re out of luck. Why full tort is worth it Look, I get it. Insurance can get expensive, and limited tort seems like a quick way to save. But here’s the reality: car accidents can be life-changing. Medical bills, lost work, the pain – all of it adds up. If you go with limited tort, you could be left with bills that far outweigh the savings you pocketed upfront. When you’re paying for full tort, you’re investing in peace of mind. If the worst happens, you’ve got the flexibility to pursue compensation that truly reflects what you’re going through. Let’s make it real Imagine this: You’re hit in a collision that wasn’t your fault. You have some injuries – maybe a few fractures and weeks of painful recovery. But since you have limited tort, getting compensated for the emotional and physical toll might not be in the cards. Full tort? You’d be covered for those losses. It’s the difference between getting only some of what you need versus being fully supported. So, what should you do? If you’re serious about protecting yourself, go with full tort. You’ll pay a bit more upfront, but the benefits if you’re ever in an accident are worth every penny. It’s like wearing a helmet when you ride a motorcycle – you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be grateful it’s there if you do. At Slusser Law Firm, your fight is our fight, and we're here to help you understand your options and make sure you’re fully protected. If you have questions about car insurance choices, personal injury cases, or anything else, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to chat 24/7 and make these big decisions feel a little less daunting.
January 6, 2025
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