AAA Michigan Applauds Legislators for First Step in Teen Passenger Restrictions

DEARBORN Mich., June 24 -- AAA Michigan (June 24) saluted members of the House Transportation Committee for their vote today (June 24) on a teen driver passenger restriction bill which would prohibit 16-year-old new drivers from having more than one passenger under 21 years of age in the vehicle. The bill would also prohibit cell phone use by 16-year-old drivers behind the wheel.

House Bill 4493 also decreases the hours a 16-year-old can drive. Currently, 16-year-olds cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. The new bill allows for driving only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. - meaning the driver must be off the road by 10 p.m.

Many studies have shown that limiting the number of teen passengers allowed in a vehicle driven by a teen or novice driver helps make them safer. According to a March 2008 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when teenage drivers transport passengers there is a greatly increased crash risk, with greater risk associated with more passengers. In fact, when there are multiple passengers, the crash risk is 3 to 5 times great.

The bill would make an exception for family members of 16-year-old drivers to be in the vehicle. The bill now goes to full House for a vote.

For more on AAA Teen Driving Safety, visit AAA.com.