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Last Updated: Feb 8th, 2010 - 15:45:09 |
New teen driving laws in Kansas are changing the age at which teen's can apply for licenses, placing restrictions on nigh time driving and limiting passengers.
The new laws are effective Friday. The Kansas Graduate Driver's License Provisions bill was signed last March by former Gov. Kathleen Seblius. The new changes apply to instruction permits, restricted license and unrestricted license.
The key changes are:
• Instruction permits for drivers ages 14-15 to must be held for a year before applying for a restricted license.
• A restricted license obtained by a teen younger than 16 may only permit driving to and from school and work.
• Restricted license held by A 16- year-old driver allows for a teen to drive between 5 a.m. To 9 p.m.
• Restricted license holders are only allowed one non-sibling passenger younger than 18 to ride along for the fist six months of the license period.
The new permit regulations require teens to be at least 17 years old to apply for unrestricted licenses. Prior to Friday, 16-year-old driver could apply for unrestricted licenses.
Kathryn Brown, a specialist with the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office, believes the new laws will allow teens to gain more driving experience.
“KTSRO thinks it is a great law,” said Brown. “It is going to provide a lot more time to gain experience for teen drivers. It will regulate technology use and times at which teens can drive. We really think it is going to keep teens a lot safer in driving.”
According to KTSRO reports, 51 people were killed and over 5,400 were injured as a result from a teen car crash in 2008.
“The fact that the law limits the amount of teenage passengers that can ride along in the car is going to be a huge deal,” said Brown. “For every passenger that you added into the car, the teen drivers chances of getting into a accident are greatly increased. By eliminating that distraction it will help keep teen's eyes on the road.”
Rony Billpahn, a 17- year-old Liberal teen, has been an unrestricted license holder since February. The new laws will not impact his license. Billpahn believes the new laws will present new challenges to teen drivers.
“I think it might be kind of hard for teens,” said Billpahn. “You are going to want to offer a ride. Friends are going to be like, 'Can you give me a ride' and they are going to not be able to. I think it might cause some problems.”
Billpahn said, he has heard negative feedback on the new regulations from teen peers. However, Billpahn agrees with the laws.
“We can be more reckless,” said Billpahn. “We talk to our friends while driving. I, myself, have been in an accident where the car rolled. I guess we get kind of carried away.”
Getting carried away while driving is easy for anyone, not just teen driver. KTSRO views the new regulations as a time to remind all drivers of safe driving habits, said Brown.
“Everyone needs to pay attention to what they are doing,” said Brown. “The whole point of driving is to get from point A to point B safely."
For full story please see Sunday's Times
© 2008 Southwest Times
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