States Target Teen Drivers

It's either a terrible week for teen drivers or a great one. Which it is likely depends on whether you're a teen or the parent of one. Several states have passed new laws making the rules of the road far more stringent for new drivers.

In Illinois, the state House unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that puts new restrictions on teen drivers, including: A longer learner's permit stage (up to nine months from three); increased curfews for night-time driving (with some exceptions); harsher penalties for having too many passengers (who aren't family members); six hours of on-road driving instruction in schools (instead of just on simulators); harsher penalties for street racing. The new rules would take effect Jan. 1. The bill has already passed the state Senate and awaits the governor's approval.

In Arizona this week, Gov. Janet Napolitano signed a law that does much of what Illinois' new law would do: It creates a tougher curfew period for teen drivers (with exceptions) and limits the number of passengers to one for teen drivers (again, excluding immediate family members). Those who break the law would be hit with big fines and possibly jail time.

In Maine, lawmakers are getting ready to vote on a bill that would ban anyone under 18 from using a cell phone — even with a hands-free device — while driving. A separate bill to ban all handheld-cell-phone use by drivers appears unlikely to get lawmaker approval. It could be pricey if teens get caught: $50 for the first offense, but a whopping $250 for additional offenses.

While teens in all three states may complain about these restrictions, studies have shown they are more at risk than older drivers.

With One Voice, House OKs Teen Driving Bill (Chicago Tribune)
Napolitano Passes New Teen Driving Bill (Eastern Arizona Courier)
Teen Drivers May Have to Go Low-Tech (Portland [Maine] Press Herald)

Photo by iStock Photo

Comments

As a teen (OK, I'm nineteen), I feel that banning cellphone usage should not be solely targeted at teens, then again, I'm not the one to talk...

I agree with Mike, it seems extremely biased to target teens on cell phone usage. I'm actually against driving with a phone, but if one demographic is targeted, it's unfair to allow everyone one else to have the privledge. Besides, how are police going to target young cell-phone users? Pull over everyone who looks 18 or younger?

Regardless of what laws are passed, people will still have cell phones glued to their faces while driving. Once i was in front of a middle-aged woman who was arguin on the phone while about to pull out in heavy traffic :|.

My daughter and her friends have now gone on a drive to exert their choices. looks like these manufacturers have indeed gone their way to target them.

SAaw this post on WearyParent.com and thouhgt it was of interest.
http://www.wearyparent.com/rookie-driver-keeping-new-drivers-safe/
Rookie Driver - Keeping New Drivers Safe
by char on June 12th, 2007
One of the best ways to help keep new teen drivers safe is by giving them a way to be identified as new drivers by others on the road. It has been a long standing tradition in Europe to identify cars being driven by “Learners” with a very easy to identify “L” sticker. By alerting other drivers on the road of the new drivers, experienced drivers can give them more room, be more cautious and a little more understanding when minor courtesy mistakes are made.

Rookie Driver is bringing the awareness to the US, using a fun, teen accepted, car magnet that says Rookie Driver. Afterall, being “Rookie of the Year” is cool in sports, and to teens Rookie Driver is more acceptable than Student Driver or other terms.

The Rookie Driver web site also includes an entire page of teen driving safety links. Definitely worth a look if you have a rookie driver or one who is soon to be.