Pennsylvania House Approves Stricter Standards for Young Drivers

Strategic Insights -

As part of efforts to improve road safety, particularly for teenage drivers, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has approved stricter standards for permit holders and junior drivers. The new laws aim to reduce the number of fatal crashes involving young drivers, which can be as high as four times the rate for adult drivers. House Bill 9, sponsored by Rep. Kathy Watson, aims to increase the number of hours of behind-the-wheel training for young drivers and restrict the number of passengers they can have in their vehicle.

Key Takeaways:

  • House Bill 9 aims to increase the number of hours of behind-the-wheel training for young drivers from 50 hours to 65 hours, with 10 hours of training at night and five hours during inclement weather.
  • The bill restricts the number of passengers a teen driver may have to one person under age 18, with an exception for family members.
  • The measure makes driving without a seatbelt a primary offense for any person driving a vehicle where a passenger under the age of 18 isn't wearing a seatbelt.
  • Across the country, 43 states have implemented similar initiatives, which report as much as a 40 percent drop in the number of fatal crashes among 16-year-old drivers.
  • House Bill 896 creates an additional penalty for distracted driving, with a $50 fine for drivers found to have been distracted by electronic or personal grooming devices, food, drink, books, or other printed material.
  • House Bill 896 also prohibits the use of hand-held cell phones while driving and establishes a fine of $75 for violators.
  • House Bill 8, which awaits a final vote, aims to prohibit the use of interactive wireless communication devices for texting and reading while driving.

Statistics:

  • Fatal crashes involving 16- or 17-year-old drivers in Pennsylvania increased by 43 percent from 2009 to 2010.
  • Vehicle crashes are the number-one cause of death for teenagers in Pennsylvania.
  • The rate of fatal crashes for young drivers is four times the rate for adult drivers.
  • 43 states have implemented initiatives similar to those included in House Bill 9, resulting in as much as a 40 percent drop in the number of fatal crashes among 16-year-old drivers.

Sources:

  • Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Republican Caucus
  • Rep. Kate Harper
  • Rep. Kathy Watson
  • Rep. Chris Ross
  • House Bill 9, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
  • House Bill 896, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
  • House Bill 8, Pennsylvania House of Representatives