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Pennsylvania Gov. Ridge Announces Young Driver Reforms Are Saving Lives
Crashes Involving Young Drivers Down 25 Percent; Fatalities Involving 16-Year-Old Drivers Down More Than 70 Percent; Injuries Resulting From CrashesDropped Nearly a Third
HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 5, 2001 /PRNewswire/ -- During his January
radio address, Gov. Tom Ridge today shared with Pennsylvania
the dramatic reductions in the number of teen drivers involved
in crashes since Pennsylvania's young driver reforms took effect
one year ago.
"Last December marked the one-year anniversary since all of the new changes took effect," Gov. Ridge said in his monthly radio address. "I'm pleased to report that the results are staggering -- even better than we had hoped:
-- "Crashes involving teen drivers were down 25 percent -- that's about 1,000 fewer crashes compared to 1999;
-- "Fatalities involving 16-year-old drivers were down more than 70 percent -- from 55 in 1999 to 16 last year; and
-- "Injuries resulting from crashes dropped nearly a third from more than 4,600 in 1999 to less than 3,300 last year.
"This is great news. Simply put, it means these are Pennsylvanians who are alive today because we took these important steps. That's something we all can feel good about.
"But we can't be satisfied -- not as a state, not as individuals. As parents, we all must take time to talk to our teens about safe driving habits.
"Let's help our teens get the practice time they need to prepare them for the road ahead. Let's help all of them become safe drivers. It's in their best interest -- and ours."
The reforms were part of legislation that Gov. Ridge called for in January 1999, to better prepare young Pennsylvanians to drive safely and save lives. Gov. Ridge signed the measure into law in June 1999. The extended nighttime driving and passenger restrictions took effect in August 1999. The other graduated licensing reforms took effect in December 1999.
"For many teens, a driver's license is but the first stop on the road to freedom," Gov. Ridge said. "In reality, it's a privilege that comes with tremendous responsibility. After all, when young drivers get behind the wheel, they take their lives -- and ours -- in their hands.
"For too long, it was too easy for teenagers to get a driver's license in Pennsylvania. And the results too often were tragic. In 1998 alone, while overall fatalities on Pennsylvania's highways declined, the number of young driver fatalities shot up 13 percent. For 15- to 20-year-olds, the No. 1 cause of death was traffic accidents.
"That's why I asked the General Assembly to change Pennsylvania's young driver laws -- to give teens the practice time they need, and to send young drivers a message that driving is a privilege -- one that will be taken away if they do not drive responsibly.
"Now, our youngest drivers must meet stricter standards before they get their license. They will face tougher consequences if they abuse their driving privileges.
"Among the changes we made:
-- "Requiring 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice;
-- "Imposing a minimum six-month learner's permit, instead of 30 days;
-- "Tightening the curfew on late-night driving;
-- "Now, only drivers who are crash free and conviction free for an entire year can become eligible for a regular license before age 18;
-- "And, finally, suspending a junior driver's license if he or she violates our traffic laws multiple times or commits a single high-speed violation."
According to the state Transportation Department (PennDOT), the statistics -- which cover January to September -- also show crashes involving 16-year-old drivers between 11 p.m. and midnight also were cut by 52 percent, and crashes between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. were down a full 10 percent.
To help adults who supervise young drivers organize behind-the-wheel practice time into meaningful lessons, PennDOT has produced a publication called, "How to Steer Them to Safe Driving." The publication, as well as more information regarding young-driver safety and licensing requirements, is available on PennDOT's website, which can be accessed through the PA PowerPort, www.state.pa.us, or directly at www.dot.state.pa.us.
SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
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