The Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act (STANDUP Act) was introduced in the House of Representatives in 2009, but didn't make it out of the 111th Congress.
Fortunately, it was taken up again in this year's 112th Congress thanks to many parents who have been promoting the STANDUP Act to try and make sure that it gets passed.
The STANDUP Act would set minimum federal requirements for state graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws, including:
- Three stages of licensing - learner's permit (with a minimum age of 16 years to get a learner's permit), intermediate stage, and full licensure at 18 years
- Restricted nighttime driving while unsupervised until full licensure
- No driving while using a cell phone or texting until full licensure
- Restrictions on non-related, under-21 year old passengers until full licensure
Although it may sound mean to delay the time when a teen can get a driver's license, especially when it is something so many kids look forward to for a long time, there is a good reason for the restrictions. This isn't about parents who don't want to get their kids a car or let them borrow the family sedan. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that 'Motor vehicle-related crashes remain the leading cause of death in youth from ages 16 to 20, resulting in approximately 5,500 deaths annually.' Also, 'approximately 450,000 teenagers are injured in motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 27,000 hospitalizations.'
And although teens make up just 6% of drivers, they are involved in 14% of the fatal crashes.
The AAP is in favor of GDL laws and has worked hard to get some form of GDL law in almost all states. The STANDUP ACT would help to make sure they all meet minimum requirements set out by safety experts. The AAP also supports a minimum number of adult-supervised driving hours during the permit stage and a zero tolerance for alcohol, excessive speeding, or reckless driving.
Do you support GDL laws and the STANDUP Act?
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