Monday, October 22, 2012

Crisco hails teen-driving restriction law

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, today hailed new statistics to suggest the driving restrictions imposed on Connecticut’s teenagers in a 2008 law are having a dramatic, positive, and literally life-saving impact.
At the time, Crisco supported the legislation intended to limit distractions for inexperienced drivers and impose stricter penalties for violations.

Crisco said teen-aged fatalities resulting from highway accidents are fewer in Connecticut over the past four years while in other states nationwide, the number of 16 and 17-year olds killed in car crashes is increasing.

“It’s gratifying to see the tangible results of this 2008 law and it’s heartening to know all these teenagers and their families have been – and will be – spared the unspeakable tragedy of a fatal accident with teenaged victims,” Crisco said. “The 11 p.m. curfew and prohibition on carrying other teens in the car seem to have helped raise a new awareness of just how treacherous driving can be.”

“There is also a heightened awareness among young people of how texting and talking on a cell phone while driving can lead to serious accidents and I think that has helped in this regard as well,” Crisco added.

He pointed out another aspect of the law to include increased parental involvement and participation in the decisions made by young drivers. The 2008 law includes a required session at which parents and teenagers are together when presented with information about safe driving and new, graduated responsibilities granted as new drivers gain experience.

“This collaboration among adults, teens, law enforcement and other highway safety experts effectively delivers the tried-and-true message that distracted driving is dangerous driving and that anything and everything we do to impress upon new drivers the serious nature of driving will help them become better drivers,” Crisco said. 
“I’m also pleased to see the state Department of Motor Vehicles dispatch a group of students to area high schools so they can deliver a message about safe driving to their peers.”

This is a press release from Crisco's office. 

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