New Teen Driver Law Co-Sponsored by AAA Texas Designed to Change Teen Driving Habits

    HOUSTON--Dec. 17, 2001--On New Year's Day, a new Texas law takes effect that is expected to save thousands of teens from injury and death in vehicle crashes each year. The Graduated Driver License (GDL) law, co-sponsored by AAA Texas, will dramatically change the way teens get their driver's licenses.
    "Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of Texas teens," said Mark Bell, AAA Texas' managing director. "Inexperience and immaturity are factors in most of these crashes. We want to give teens more behind-the-wheel experience, so more of them will return home safely."
    At a news conference in Houston today, Bell noted that in 1999, more than 60,000 Texas teens aged 16-18 were injured or killed in motor vehicle crashes. Two-thirds of these were teen passengers in vehicles driven by another teen. He said 46 states now have Graduated Driver License systems. AAA has a national goal of having GDL adopted in all 50 states.
    Texas' Graduated Driver License system adds new requirements to teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 18. During the first six months of a provisional license, a teen may not drive without adult supervision (a licensed driver 21 or older) under the following circumstances:

--	Between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. Exceptions are permitted for employment, school-related activities or a medical emergency.
--	With more than one passenger under age 21 who is not a family member.

    States that have adopted GDL have seen a significant reduction in crashes involving 16 year olds. Michigan has experienced a 33% reduction, while California has seen a 23% reduction.
    A free brochure called "Teen Drivers: A Guide to Texas' New Graduated Driver License" will be available at AAA Texas offices after January 1st. The brochure will also be available by calling 800/765-0766 after the beginning of the year.
    AAA Texas, an affiliate of the AAA, has been serving Texans since 1902. AAA Texas offers its members a full service travel agency, auto-related and financial services, as well as public safety programs and legislative advocacy.