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TestimonyWho: Rep. Tom Raga
Thank you Chairman Reinhard and members of the committee for the opportunity to present testimony on House Bill 343. House Bill 343 would increase the age a person can obtain a temporary instruction permit from 15 and 6 months to 16. Therefore, increasing the age a person can obtain a probationary license from 16 to at least 16 and a half. Current law requires a person to hold a temporary instruction permit for at least six months prior to obtaining a probationary license. In addition, House Bill 343 would restrict the driving hours and number of passengers occupying the vehicle for those who hold a probationary license. According to the Journal of Safety Research, the risk of a fatal crash is three times higher after 9 p.m. for 16-year-old drivers. And overall, about 40 percent of teen motor vehicle fatalities occur at night. In addition, studies have confirmed that there is a direct correlation between the increased presence of teenage passengers and the risk of an accident. A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety demonstrated that a single passenger nearly doubled the risk of a fatal crash and two or more passengers raised the risk five fold. House Bill 343 was introduced in response to several reports of children being seriously injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents. Safety for our children is the number one priority of this piece of legislation. I look forward to working with all interested parties as House Bill 343 moves through the legislative process. Driving is a privilege and with that comes personal responsibility. It is important that our young people have the proper time and training to digest all the rules and regulations involved with obtaining a driver’s license. I urge your support of House Bill 343 and I would be happy to answer any initial questions you may have on the bill. |
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