New Teen Driving Safety Measure

A new law about was signed by Governor Henry on Thursday and will go into effect in November. It requires young drivers to complete a six-month probationary period with multiple restrictions before they qualify for full driving privileges. The law will effect nearly 2,000 teens a year. The Department of Public Safety says the state issued ,1858 new licenses to 16 and 17 year-olds in 2004. The measure's author, Representative Danny Morgan of Prague, says it should cut fatalities and collisions among drivers younger than 18 by at least 15 percent. Morgan says the bill was prompted by repeated instances of young drivers being involved in car crashes.