GDL Laws (Graduated Licensing Laws) are beginning to show promise and are effective

GDL Laws (Graduated Licensing Laws) are beginning to show promise and are effective

■A May 2010 Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on teen driver safety concluded that additional research could help states strengthen their graduated licensing systems (GDL). Existing research shows that GDL laws are associated with lower teen fatalities but because limited research has been conducted on the optimum provisions of these laws, states might be missing opportunities to strengthen their programs. The GAO recommends that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conduct additional research on minimum age requirements, nighttime and passenger restrictions, the effect of bans on electronic devices, driver education and parental involvement. The report also acknowledged that currently no grant program specifically targets teens and no federal law exists requiring states to meet licensing requirements or standards.


■The Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act of 2010 ( S.3269, STAND UP) was introduced in the Senate in April 2010 by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). The Act contains minimum requirements such as enacting a two-stage licensing system, including a learners permit phase to begin at age 16 and lasting at least six months. It would prohibit night driving and cellphone use in non-emergency situations. The second, intermediate stage would include the restrictions from the first stage and ban more than one non-family passenger. This stage would last until age 18 The bill also includes provisions for incentive grants to states that enact the law within three years and for highway fund withholding during the fourth year if states do not meet the minimum requirements
Labels: age, auto insurance savings tips