Michigan Bills Limit Cell Phone Use, Passengers for Teen Drivers

A first-ever analysis from AAA finds that crashes involving teen drivers ages 15 to 17 cost American society more than $34 billion annually in medical expenses, lost work, property damage, quality of life loss and other related costs in 2006.

“The impact of a teen crash extends beyond the emotional tragedies and physical injury at the crash scene, with costs that can extend to
employers, families, the government and society overall,” said Jack Peet, community safety services manager for AAA Michigan. “These economic figures provide one more reason for legislators to improve graduated driver licensing laws in their states.”

A number of bills aimed at reducing the numbers of teen injuries and deaths have been introduced in the Michigan legislature. Currently
there are no passenger limits in place. Rep.Edward Gaffney (R-Grosse Pointe Farms) has sponsored HB 4151, which would limit the number of teen passengers to one in a car driven by a teenager. The bill has been referred to the legislature’s Transportation Committee. Another bill would prohibit 16-year-old drivers from using cell phones while driving. Cell phones and teen passengers are among the most worrisome sources of distraction for teen drivers.

New research by AAA shows an alarmingly high number of teens admit to engaging in very risky behavior behind the wheel. Some of these behaviors, like driving under the influence, are problems the safety community has battled for years. Others, like text messaging while driving, are new behaviors. They all pose a threat to road users and must be corrected by teens, parents and safe driving educators for the safety of teens and everyone else who uses our roadways.

“Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens, claiming
more than 6,000 15- to 20-year-olds each year,” said Peet. “Many of these deadly crashes are due to immaturity and inexperience, factors that can be partially addressed by helping teens gain valuable driving experience in a low-risk learning environment.”

A low-risk learning environment includes:
— Minimizing distractions such as teen passengers, cell phones, MP3 players or CDs;
— Driving during the daytime when crash and fatality rates are lower for teens and drivers of all ages;
— Providing positive driving role models through parents who exhibit
safe driving behaviors such as obeying speed limits, not driving while
distracted, refraining from drinking and driving, and being courteous to other drivers.

At this writing it is unclear if the bills addressing teen driving concerns will be considered by the Transportation Committee in the coming weeks.

Source: AAA Michigan

Topics Personal Auto Michigan