ADVISORY/Teen Driving in Texas Will Never Be the Same; New Graduated Driver License Law Co-Sponsored by AAA Texas Takes Effect January 1st

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WHAT:    On New Year's Day,  Texas will become the 46th state to have 
         a Graduated  Driver License system (GDL).

         The Graduated Driver License Law (GDL) will prevent teens 
         from driving between midnight and 5 A.M. during the first six
         months of driving. It also prohibits more than one passenger 
         under 21 years of age from being in the vehicle unless that
         person is a family member.

         AAA Texas co-sponsored the Texas law. This news conference 
         kicks off implementation of the new law.

WHO:     Ronnie and Jan Kullman, Charisse and Bill Hubbard, Theresa 
         and Chris Spene -- families who lost loved ones in automobile
         collisions; Anne O'Ryan, public affairs manager for AAA
         Texas; Chief Frank Elder, Department of Public Safety -- 
         implementation of new GDL law; Senator Teel Bivins, 
         Representatives Joe Driver and Judy Hawley -- authored and
         co-authored GDL legislation.

WHY:     Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of Texas 
         teenagers with driver error, speed, peer passenger 
         distraction and lack of experience among the most frequent
         causes of these fatal collisions.

WHEN:    Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2001
         9:30 AM

WHERE:   Department of Public Safety (Headquarters)
         5805 North Lamar  (Austin, Texas)