Directions Volume 32, Issue 1
November 13, 2009
Knox High School
INDIANA SETS LAWS FOR NEW DRIVERS by Rachael Winebrenner
Drivers in possession of a probationary license issued on July 1, 2009, or who anticipate requiring one in the future will want to know about the new drivers licensing law that applies to anyone under that age of 18. This new law addresses cell phone use, nighttime driving, passengers, crashes, and moving traffic violations. The laws became effective July 1. A majority of teenagers have cell phones and use them with almost every breath. With that said, many may not be pleased to learn that under the new law all telecommunication devices cannot be used by drivers under the age of 18 while operating a vehicle. Emergency 911 calls are the only exception. Reasoning behind the new law includes research that shows cell phones have, in fact, been proven in a series of tests to be more dangerous than drunk driving. Nightlife provides the pulse for lots of teens, but under the new law, that beat may slow. The first 180 days of driving for new drivers will be restricted to driving between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. After the first 180 days, however, the rules become a little more flexible, but some restrictions will still stand: Sunday through Thursday underage drivers will be allowed to be
Ratliff said when she saw students engaged in learning, she couldn’t think of anything more fun to do.
Jade Draper and Kyle Page demonstrate the dangers of texting while driving in this mock accident. on the roads 5 a.m.- 11 p.m., and Saturday accompanied by a licensed driver 25 years through Sunday they can be out from 5-1 or older. Additionally, in at-fault crash or a.m. Exemptions for these new restrictions moving traffic violations, probationary include work, school, or church- related drivers will no longer qualify for court activities or if the driver is accompanied by a diversion programs. licensed driver over the age of 25. July 1, 2010, other new rules will The first 180 days of holding a probationary be effective for drivers with learner license no passengers will be allowed in permitstionary licenses. One such rule the vehicle with the underage driver. One see Laws, p. 6 exception, however, is if the driver is
Knox Welcomes Dr. Ratliff!
by Sam Snyder The Knox Community School Corporation has been no stranger to administrative changes in the past few years. The latest addition is Dr. Elizabeth Ratliff, new principal at the high school. Ratliff began her education in New Mexico, where she earned her bachelors in accounting. Shortly after, Ratliff said she had the opportunity to view what she called an amazing, business vocational class, which inspired her to choose a career in the educational field. After seeing
how students were engaged in their learning, Ratliff said she couldn’t think of anything more fun to do. She moved on to obtain her masters degree and then her doctorate in educational leadership. Ratliff’s previous education experience includes working in Arizona and, closer to home, at Plymouth High School, where she was assistant principal. While there, she handled the bulk of the discipline, plus some additional curriculum duties. Right now, Ratliff is focusing on
see Ratliff, p. 6