teen news from JUNE-JULY 2007 ISSUE
SocietyCan Restrictions on Teen Drivers Replace Sound Judgment?
In a trend that is now sweeping the nation, the Illinois State House of Representatives unanimously approved new legislation aimed at curbing the mounting number of highway fatalities among teen drivers.
New legislation in the state of Illinois has made several changes to current teen driving laws. First, new drivers will be required to drive with a learner’s permit for nine months instead of only three (the law in years past). Additionally, stricter curfews will be enacted that make it illegal for teens to drive after 10 p.m. on weeknights and after 11 p.m. on weekends. Finally, new drivers must have their driver’s license for one full year before they will be allowed to carry more than one teen passenger who is not a family member in their vehicle.
What was the impetus for such aggressive new legislation? At least partially responsible for heightened awareness to this national problem were several recent “high-profile” and tragic teen highway deaths that received a great deal of media attention in Illinois. This increased media awareness was in conjunction with a yearlong study by the Chicago Tribune, which painted an even clearer picture of the causes of many of these tragedies—lack of experience.
Furthermore, a comprehensive public health study, done by John Hopkins University in the United States, found 21% fewer fatalities resulting from teen automobile accidents in states where the most restrictive teen driving laws were in effect. Researchers drew a direct connection. The more time a teenager spends driving under their parent’s or an adult’s supervision, the safer the young driver becomes. This seemed especially true when driving in a variety of weather conditions (Chicago Tribune).
The motivation behind restricting teens’ licenses was perhaps confirmed best by Illinois House Minority Leader, and father of two, Tom Cross. He stated that too often these “horrific accidents” are spurred by young people making immature and bad judgments.
Ask yourself: Does it take a law for teenagers to recognize the need to use good judgment when it comes to driving, especially when just getting a learner’s permit? Why are inexperienced groups of teens packing into cars and driving late at night?
These new laws that attempt to legislate good judgment may be necessary in today’s society. However, they seem to confirm what responsible young people should already be deciding under the guidance of wise parents.