Topic: NHTSA backs legislation to boost graduated driver licenses

[Jeffy]

Last Updated: September 28. 2010 2:02PM
NHTSA backs legislation to boost graduated driver licenses
David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau

Washington -- The Obama administration backs legislation that would prod states into requiring graduated driver licenses.

David Strickland, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, today endorsed the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act to push states to require more training of young drivers before they get unrestricted licenses.

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"The STAND-UP act is a great piece of legislation and we are very supportive," Strickland said at a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing on auto safety legislation. "Graduated driver's licenses are the foundation for teaching young drivers how to be good citizens of the road."

The bill -- introduced in April 2009 -- would set tough minimum standards for graduated driver licenses for states. States that didn't comply within three years would lose some federal highway construction funds.

The bills would require three stages of licensing -- learner's permit, intermediate stage, and full licensure -- and sets age 16 as the earliest age for entry into the learner's permit process.

The bill would not allow young drivers to drive at night while unsupervised until they turned 18. It would require states to bar drivers from using communication devices and they couldn't have more than one non-family member in the car younger than 21 until they turned 18. Drivers couldn't get an unrestricted license until they turned 18.

All states but North Dakota have a three stage-program for young drivers.

Michigan's graduated driver program, passed in 1997, would not comply with the federal proposal.

New drivers in Michigan can begin the process to get a learner's permit at 14 years, eight months, and can get an unrestricted license at 17 if they meet certain conditions and get parent approval.

Michigan has no restrictions on young drivers using cell phones.

Strickland says research shows that states with graduated license programs have reported fewer crashes.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., one of the sponsors of the bill, said "it's about realizing that there's a much higher accident fatality rate with teenage drivers."

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the trade association representing Detroit's Big Three automakers and Toyota Motor Corp., also backs language "similar" to the STAND-UP act. "States should take special care in granting (driver licenses) to new drivers," said Rob Strassburger, vice president for vehicle safety and harmonization for the group.

Separately, Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., who heads the subcommittee that oversees NHTSA, says the agency needs more funds to accomplish its goals.

"NHTSA is in need of additional funding and resources -- to not only implement existing programs but implement new programs related to drunk driving and distracted driving," Pryor said.

But it is growing increasingly unlikely that Congress will take up any auto safety legislation this year. Congress may also opt to attach safety rules to a highway safety reauthorization -- another move that would likely take place next year.

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said Congress needs to review the $500 million in grants NHTSA awards annually to states for safety programs and incentives.

The Governors Highway Safety Association wants Congress to approve grants to crack down on distracted driving -- as they do other behavior like drunken driving and failing to wear a seat belt.

House Transportation Committee chairman Rep. Jim Oberstar, R-Minn., has called for requiring ignition interlocks in vehicles for convicted drunken driving.

The administration has also backed a proposal that would offer incentives for states to crackdown on distracted driving.

dshepardson@detnews.com (202) 662-8735


From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20100928/AUTO01/9280415/1148/rss25#ixzz10rJhhjIn

[chardrc]

not getting a permit tell 16 that's dumb.. making them start latter isn't going to make them better drivers. its all about good instructions and experience.... everything else seems legit (the non-family member /night and especially the no cellphone stuff) the problem is I see more horrible adult drivers than kid drivers.... all this realy does is make it a bigger PITA to get your license and requires you to pay the gov $ more times... start learning at 14 to not get permit tell 16 what are they going to be teaching for that long? there better be some go-kart driving in there or something to give them hands on experience if it requires that long of amount of time.

[dwtaylorpdx]

Yea, would make way more sense to require permits earlier, since the permit driver is not the problem its the solo driver.

Dave

[sharpxmen]

sorry but i'm going to disagree with you 2

I think they are trying to make sure the vehicle is used based on necessity and not as a toy (no driving at night unsupervised and no car full of kids - which is mainly aiming at going to the bars or parties and drive under the influence). You would still get a license, just like any new driver, same process - dunno how long you would need to keep your new driver's license as an adult but as a 16 yo you'll have to wait 2 years, i don't see what's the big deal there, you can still drive your car (unless I misunderstood what that means).

Not sure about the starting to learn earlier thing, could be a good thing if it's for the right reasons and controlled properly and have the intermediate (new driver) license once you turn 16.

[dwtaylorpdx]

I think you just took the time write what I meant,,, LOL but I do know that
learning later does not make better drivers, at least non of the folk I know
who waited till 18+ are good drivers.

And it DOES raise the base useful  driving age to 18 in the version I read which
would severely impact families that live where there aint no busses.
Things like ferrying other siblings etc...

I'd add a SCCA approved High performance driving school to the requirements if I had it my way!!!!!

Dave