News – Sheridan Media
Earning a driver’s license is a milestone for many teenagers — a symbol of independence and a rite of passage. As parents and guardians, it’s our responsibility to ensure they understand not only the laws of the road but also common courtesy behind the wheel.
With the new school year starting across Sheridan County, many teens will be driving themselves to Sheridan High School for the first time — an exciting day that also brings new responsibilities.
Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Louis Tegdesch has seen plenty of violations during his years on Wyoming’s roadways. He and the rest of WHP troopers want these young adults to reach their destinations safely and to develop positive driving habits early on as they first take the wheel of driver responsibility.
Seat belts or child safety seats are required for all passengers in Wyoming. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts cut the risk of fatal injury to front-seat occupants by about 45%.
Tegdesch also urged drivers to put mobile devices away. Distracted driving is a growing cause of crashes and can be deadly; best practice for teens is no phone use while driving — even hands-free.
Obey speed limits and slow for conditions. Speeding sharply raises crash risk—even at the posted limit if roads are wet, icy, or visibility is low.
Allow yourself enough time to get to school before the bell. Tegdesch said the number one excuse he and other troopers hear regarding speeding is time.
Lt. L. Tegdesch
In Wyoming, drivers with an intermediate license may carry no more than one passenger under 18 who is not an immediate family member, must ensure everyone is buckled, and may drive only between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Tegdesch encouraged parents and guardians to set clear rules and follow those rules themselves. Be the example. Parent-set limits on seat belt use, phones, curfew, and passengers significantly reduce teen crash risk.
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Last modified: August 13, 2025