For Immediate
Release: August 11, 2005
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Rep. Danny Morgan and Sen. Debbe Leftwich look on as the Governor
ceremoniously
signs the Graduated Driver's License Act.
Governor Ceremoniously Signs Graduated
Driver's License Bill
Governor Brad Henry
held a ceremonial bill signing today for House Bill 1653, also
known as the Graduated Driver's License Act. Authors of the measure,
Sen. Debbe
Leftwich and Rep. Danny
Morgan say the bill will allow teenagers more time to develop
their driving skills, therefore lowering the risk of accidents,
fatal or otherwise.
"Although I know this might be a bit of an inconvenience
for parents who are ready for their kids to be independent, I
think overall this new law is going to provide a peace of mind
knowing that their children have truly conquered the art of driving
and that will outweigh any inconveniences," said Leftwich,
D-South OKC. "Driving is such a serious responsibility for
young people who can so easily be distracted by the radio, cell
phones, their passengers and other drivers. Parents can rest more
assured that their kids will make it home safely each night with
these new restrictions."
Under the provisions of HB 1653, all new drivers under the age
of 18 will be required to have a graduated driver's license, which
limits the number and age of passengers allowed in a vehicle with
a teenage driver along with the hours a student can drive on the
road. Students will only be allowed to drive by themselves between
the hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the exceptions of driving
to school, work, church and other related activities, or if a
licensed driver is in the vehicle. They also will not be allowed
to drive more than one other student around who is under the age
of 21. These restrictions will be removed over a one-year period
if the student maintains a clean driving record.
"Studies across the nation continue to show the success of
the graduated driver's license system," said Morgan. "Forty
other states have stricter driving laws than Oklahoma and they
have seen a significant drop in the number of vehicle accidents
involving teenagers. We want to see these same results in our
state ensuring that our children and families are protected."
The lawmakers pointed out several studies showing the impact that
the graduated driver's license has on crash and fatality rates.
• Iowa established driving restrictions in 1999 and traffic
accidents involving 16-year-old drivers have declined from 6,206
in 1998 to 4,187 in 2003 according to a June Associated Press
article
• North Carolina establishing driving restrictions in 1997
and the fatality rate of 16- to 18-year-old drivers has declined
by 27-percent, along with a 25-percent drop in accidents among
teen drivers.
• A 2004 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) report shows that 3,571 drivers between the ages of 16
and 20 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2003, down 4.1 percent
from 3,723 in 2002.
• A 2005 National Institute of Mental Health report shows
that the part of the brain that weighs risks, makes judgments
and controls impulsive behavior develops throughout the teen years
and does not mature until around age 25.
• A December 2004 USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll shows that 61-percent
of Americans think that 16-year-olds are too young to drive and
that 53-percent thought that licenses should not be issued until
the age of 18.
"The facts speak for themselves. Something must be done to
save our children and our families," said Leftwich. "This
isn't the end all to this problem, but it's a good start. We must
continue to educate our students about the importance of safe
driving and the severity of the outcomes of irresponsible behavior
behind the wheel."
HB 1653 was officially signed on June 9 and will go into effect
on November 1, 2005.
For
more information contact:
Senate Communications
Office - (405) 521-5698
