Licensing Bill Targets Teen Drivers

The senate is considering a National Graduated Driver Licensing Incentive Grant Program that would phase young beginners into full driving privileges as they mature and develop driving skills. In order to qualify for federal grants, the bill would require states to have three-stage licensing processes that would include prohibitions on nighttime driving during the learner and intermediate stages. In addition, during the first two stages, more than one non-family member passenger would not be allowed in the vehicle unless a licensed driver at least 21 years old were present.

The American Insurance Association commended Sen. Christopher Dodd (D.-Conn.) and Sen. John Warner (R.-Va.) for their sponsorship of S. 795. “Teenage drivers have very high rates of both fatal and nonfatal crashes compared with drivers of other ages. Immaturity and lack of driving experience are the main reasons,” said Melissa Shelk, AIA vice president, federal affairs. “Compared with older drivers, teenagers as a group are more willing to take risks and less likely to use seat belts. They also are more likely to underestimate the dangers associated with hazardous situations and less able to cope.”

In 2002, teen drivers constituted only 6.4 percent of all drivers, but were involved in 14.3 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes, Shelk stated, adding that 41 percent of teenage motor vehicle deaths occurred between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Injuries from vehicle crashes are the leading public health problem for people 13 to 19 years old.