Shea Proposes Bills Curbing New Drivers

HARTFORD — Concerned about several fatal accidents involving teenagers that have occurred over the last few months, state Representative Pat Shea, R-Monroe, called on her colleagues in the General Assembly to support three bills she has co-sponsored that would establish a “graduating licensing” system for young drivers in Connecticut.

“The tragic death last week of a teenage driver from Monroe brought home to me once again the absolute necessity establishing a graduated licensing system for new drivers in Connecticut,” said Rep Shea, a member of the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee.

“Many of these accidents have occurred not because the young drivers were violating traffic laws, but because they lacked experience behind the wheel. The three bills that are currently under consideration by the Transportation Committee would ensure that new drivers gain that experience before becoming fully licensed,” she said.

“Experienced drivers know what precautions to take in hazardous driving conditions and how to react in emergencies,” Rep Shea said. “The General Assembly has considered graduated licensing in the past but failed to enact the necessary legislation. Graduated licensing systems have been put in place in other states and have resulted in fewer fatal accidents involving teenagers. I strongly urge my colleagues to support the bills currently under consideration by the Transportation Committee. A graduated licensing system will save lives. We need to put it in place this year.”

The bills Rep Shea has co-sponsored would:

 Increase from eight hours to 12 hours the amount of behind the wheel training required for new driver’s licenses. Two of the hours would have to be conducted at night.

 Prohibit licensed 16- and 17-year-old drivers from driving between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or the reason they are driving is work or school related.

 Restrict 16- and 17-year-old driver from carrying more than one passenger in a car for the first six months after they are licensed to reduce possible distractions that could result in accidents.