Recognizing the risks that are particularly acute with many drivers under the age of 18, Georgia was near the forefront nationally when it enacted the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act in 1997. This legislation established a graduated driver's license ("GDL") program for young drivers from 15 to 18, prompted by recognition that teen drivers comprise a very special and, collectively, dangerous driving population.
As to just how dangerous young drivers can be, consider this statistic: Although teens comprise only about seven percent of all motorists, nearly one in five road fatalities involve teen drivers. Many of those crashes were caused by speeding or reckless driving (although see our April 19 post that dispels some teen driving myths).
The Georgia GDL system is an intense, three-step process that includes an instructional permit period, an intermediate license and, ultimately, a full license that is without restrictions.
Not all states have a similar system, and there are strong efforts to adopt GDL laws nationwide. A prominent effort that is being undertaken presently is spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren from Illinois, who is the lead sponsor pushing for national adoption of a GDL law within three years.
Hultgren is optimistic that support of the law will build steam as the legislation progresses further through Congress. "We have a law that will absolutely save lives," he says.
Related Resource: Chicago Sun-Times, "Hultgren tackles teen driving laws on national level" April 20, 2011
