AAA Backs Graduated Driver License Enhancements
If you didn't know that traffic crashes are the No. 1 killer of teen-agers in America, you're not alone. In a survey conducted by AAA, only 22 percent of respondents identified traffic crashes as the greatest threat to teens. Almost half listed the biggest risk as drug addiction (which actually ranks 28th).
Why are teens such high risk drivers?
- Teens lack driving experience - they simply haven't had enough time behind the wheel.
- They're kids! Their relative immaturity causes them to participate in risky driving behaviors like speeding, running traffic lights, and even drinking while driving.
Graduated Driver Licensing can help
All kids want to drive - a driver license has almost become a right-of-passage for young people. And, parents, who have been chauffeuring kids around for years, are often relieved to turn that chore over to their 16-year-old.even if they are aware of the high crash risks. But, here's a statistic that should give any parent pause:
- 15- to 20-year-olds account for only 7 percent of the driving population but are involved in 14 percent of fatal crashes and nearly 20 percent of total crashes.
Studies and experience in other states and countries have shown Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) systems to be effective in reducing teen traffic fatalities. With GDL systems, driving privileges are phased in, giving beginners time to learn about driving while in lower risk situations. The restrictions gradually are lifted, so teenagers are more experienced and mature when they get their full, unrestricted licenses.
Good GDL systems always contain at least these two elements:
- They restrict night driving.
- They put a limit on teen passengers.
Arizona's law has NEITHER OF THE ABOVE ELEMENTS! Our GDL law is rated 'poor' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a highly respected non-profit safety organization.
AAA Arizona and a coalition of concerned medical, business, safety, and law enforcement groups are sponsoring enhancements to Arizona's so-called GDL law to include meaningful elements that will protect kids while they learn basic driving skills. Here are our proposals to enhance Arizona's Class 'G' license (applies to 16-18 year-olds):
- Limit teen passengers: For the first six months they hold their license, class 'G' license holders would not be permitted to carry teen passengers unless accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or other adult at least 21 years of age.
- Exception: The teen driver could carry as many of his/her siblings as there are seat belts.
- Limit nighttime driving: Class 'G' license holders could not drive during the exceptionally high risk hours of midnight to 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or other adult at least 21 years of age.
- Teens who violate one of the above provisions would have their license immediately suspended for 30 days, IN ADDTION to any penalties for traffic infractions such as speeding or running a red light.
- Arizona's present graduated licensing law calls for a stepped approach to penalties for teen drivers:
- First Offense: Nothing on their record IF they attend Defensive Driving school
- Second Offense: Both the first and second tickets go on their record and they MUST attend Traffic Survival Class
- Third Offense: 90 day license suspension
- Fourth Offense: 6 month license suspension
AAA is a vocal advocate for novice driver safety programs. The Club's current effort seeks to pass a meaningful law that will save lives in Arizona. Don't forget.we all drive on the roads with those teens! Let's help them be as safe as possible.
If you have comments or questions about details of the proposed legislation, please email us at publicrelations@arizona.aaa.com .
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