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It's time to make the world a safer place to drive.
When surveys indicate that a majority of teen drivers look to their parents as the best influence in getting them to drive more carefully, it’s time to step up, take notice, and take action. The “Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act of 2009”, also known as the STANDUP Act, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2009 as H.R. 1875. The bill is designed to encourage all states to enact Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws that would require new drivers have more on-the-road driving experience to help reduce the alarming trend of teen driving accidents and deaths.

Many states currently have GDL laws on the books, and part of the intent of the STANDUP Act is to provide compliance incentives for states to receive full distribution of federal-aid highway funds if they enact and enforce comprehensive GDL legislation.

Statistics show that teenage drivers between 16 and 20 years of age have a fatality rate that is four times the rate for drivers between 25 and 70 years of age. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the chance of a crash by a 16- or 17-year-old driver is doubled if there are two peers in the vehicle and quadrupled with three or more peers in the vehicle. Adding to the danger is the increasing risk of accidents due to night driving and distractions such as talking to passengers and use of mobile devices for texting.

The insurance professionals at Allstate are taking a stand and want to help teens become safer drivers. Allstate supports the STANDUP Act and has created the Parent-Teen Driving Contract (.pdf) so that parents and teens can start the conversation about safe driving and agree to specific behaviors, rules and consequences. From safe driving practices to avoiding texting, drinking and other distracting behavior, the Parent-Teen Driving Contract is a step in the right direction. Establishing ground rules and consequences is a good way for parents to talk to their teens about the responsibilities that go with the driving privilege and help them succeed.

For more information on the teen safe driving program, contact your local Allstate agent or visit www.allstate.com/teen.

Take a few moments to visit www.facebook.com/save11 and use the tools available to contact Congress with your support for the STANDUP Act.

Step up and help your teen become a safer driver.
 
 

New Jersey drivers under the age of 21 with probationary licenses and certain restrictions will be required to have a red reflective decal on their license plates to identify their status. The first law of its kind in the country, Kyleigh’s Law, is named after 16-year-old Kyleigh D’Alessio who was a passenger killed in a 2006 NJ car accident. The law goes into effect May 1st.

Sponsors of the legislation maintain that the law will encourage young drivers to obey the laws and will allow the police to identify drivers with probationary licenses. These licenses have strict rules. Drivers under the age of 21 can be pulled over for driving between the hours of 11 PM and 5 AM or for carrying too many passengers, both of which are violations of the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) provisions. There is a fine of $100 if a red decal is not on their license plates.

Decals cost $4 for a pair and must be purchased at motor vehicle agencies. The decals need to be affixed to the upper left corner of both license plates and can be removed if older drivers are operating the vehicle. Decals can also be transferred to another car.

Coming under intense challenge on its way to being passed, Kyleigh’s Law has been criticized as unfairly profiling young drivers. Opponents are also concerned that the decals will be a clear sign to those who might prey on young female drivers in particular.

Those who are against the law also consider it age discrimination and lobbied for its defeat. However, Morristown Superior Court Judge Robert Brennan dismissed an early lawsuit in March, saying, "Operating a motor vehicle is not a right, it’s a privilege subject to state regulations. Kyleigh’s Law does not violate the constitutions of the United States or New Jersey."  Until public pressure or other factors influence lawmakers to repeal it, it is the law and young drivers will have to comply.

Driving is a privilege and ultimately driving responsibly rests on the shoulders of the person behind the wheel, whatever their age. Drivers need to understand and obey the laws and realize that they also have a responsibility to their passengers and other drivers on the roads shared by all.

The intent of Kyleigh’s Law is to lower teen driving accidents and save lives. Safe drivers need to have common sense, good driving skills and respect for others on the road. Ultimately, individual actions behind the wheel are the key factors in accidents that impact our lives and influence auto insurance rates. Some laws may help deter unsafe driving, but the real challenge is for young drivers to accept personal responsibility and respect the privileges that come with having a driver’s license. It’s too soon to tell right now how public sentiment will evolve on the red decal law.

Other Informational Links:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/03/nj_officials_reveal_kyleighs_l.html

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/03/motor_vehicles_unveils_red_dec.html