NTSB applauds lawmakers in PA for stronger teen driving law.

Press Release Summary:



NTSB commends Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and Pennsylvania General Assembly for strengthening Commonwealth's teen driving law. New provision prohibits a junior license holder from carrying more than one passenger under the age of 18 for first 6 months after issuance of the license, unless he or she is accompanied by parent or guardian. Law also makes it a primary offense when drivers and passengers under age 18 are not wearing a seatbelt or buckled in child safety or booster seat.



Original Press Release:



NTSB Applauds Lawmakers in Pennsylvania for Stronger Teen Driving Law



WASHINGTON, DC - The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) commends Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and the Pennsylvania General Assembly for strengthening the Commonwealth's teen driving law.

The new provision prohibits a junior license holder from carrying more than one passenger under the age of 18 for the first six months after issuance of the license, unless he or she is accompanied by a parent or guardian. The law also makes it a primary offense when drivers and passengers under age 18 are not wearing a seatbelt or buckled in a child safety or booster seat.

"Lawmakers in Pennsylvania have taken a major step in reducing tragic teen highway fatalities," said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. "Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers; we know that a teen driver's crash risk increases with every teen passenger they carry."

The NTSB first recommended a three-stage graduated driver licensing systems with nighttime driving restriction in 1993. The NTSB expanded this recommendation in 2002 by adding a passenger restriction, and again in 2003 by calling for a restriction on the use of interactive wireless communication devices.

Additional information about the NTSB's recommendations on graduated driver licensing is available at www.ntsb.gov.

NTSB Media Contact:

Keith Holloway

(202) 314-6100

hollowk@ntsb.gov

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