In 2009 more than 2,300 drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 were killed in auto accidents. Those same accidents also killed more than 3,300 other people, including passengers, pedestrians and people in other vehicles. The statistics also mean drivers between 16 and 19 are four times more likely to be killed than those between 25 and 69.
To help implement a national system to help improve teen driving regulations and reduce the rate of accidents, members of Congress have introduced the STANDUP Act to create federal graduated driver licensing laws for teens that states would follow.
Lawmakers hope it will result in fewer injuries and deaths along with lower car insurance quotes for the population as a whole.
The Bill Itself
Among the many provisions of the bill are a requirement that teens must pass through three stages of licensing – a learner’s permit, intermediate license, and then a full license. Teenagers would not be able to receive a permit before the age of 16, and wouldn’t be able to get a full license before reaching 18.
Before drivers gain their full license, they would be forbidden from using all communication devices while driving and have restrictions for both passengers and nighttime driving. In addition, if teenagers are guilty of an infraction – such as speeding, reckless driving or a DWI – their approval for a full license would automatically be delayed.
Regulations could improve teen safety…
Officials hope stricter regulations will raise awareness among teens and parents and cut down on some of the risky behaviors blamed for many teen accidents. In 2007 more than 25 percent of young drivers killed in a crash had blood alcohol contents over the legal limit. More than 20 percent also had previous speeding tickets.
Those behind the program say GDL programs have been proven effective, reducing teen driver crashes by up to 40 percent in some studies. Lawmakers also say previous regulations – such as lowering the legal BAC to 0.08 percent and raising the drinking age to 21 – have helped save more than 25,000 lives since they were implemented.
Most Americans are in favor of the new rules, which they say could cut auto insurance costs for the families of teen drivers and improve overall safety. A survey completed by Allstate found that almost 60 percent of Americans were in favor of a national GDL law. Also, at least 65 percent of Americans were in favor of the various individual aspects of the bill that could lead to lower auto insurance rates.