New Teen Driving Laws Moving in Right Direction

It's been a year since teenagers across the state collectively groaned over tougher teen driving laws.  It seems, however, this driving force is moving in the right direction and getting the results state leaders had hoped.

 

Last August, Connecticut introduces sweeping reforms that included a new 11p.m. curfew, more “behind the wheel” training and harsher penalties for teens caught breaking thelaw.

 

According to federal crash data, there’s been a drop in the number of fatalities caused by 16 and 17 year old drivers, when compared to the same time a year before.

 

The number of speeding convictions is down 43%, while the number of seat belt violations dropped by 34%.  The biggest decline came in at 51%.  That was in the cell phone use behind the wheel category.  All numbers are for the 2 year period from August 1, 2007 to June 30, 2009.

 

The DMV says the data is encouraging.  “It lets us say to teens there is a reason for this law.  We’re not just picking on young drivers.  We’re trying to put them in a safer environment,” said Robert Ward, DMV Commissioner.

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