Florida State lawmakers proposed legislation that will require teenagers to pass a mandatory driver’s ed class before they will be eligible to get their driver’s license.
Statistics continually demonstrate the dangerous conditions that face teenagers behind the wheel. Drivers who range in ages 16-18 have the highest vehicle accident rate, as well as the highest fatality rate in vehicle accidents than any other demographic.
The purpose of the bill
The sponsor of the bill, Kevin Ambler, states that he proposed the legislation in order to protect the lives of teenagers by taking action to educate them in order to prevent serious auto accidents. The bill is aimed at those who are between the ages of 15 and 20 who are at a higher risk for being involved in a serious accident.
The bill is designed to prevent possible accidents through educating teenagers before they begin driving. The theory behind the bill is that the more educated a driver is, the less likely their chance is of making a serious or negligent mistake.
Education plays a large role in preventing auto accidents for teenage drivers who do not have the experience of mature drivers. The driver’s ed classes will help to prepare teenagers to handle the dangers of the road like obstacles, negligent drivers, bad weather and other hazardous road conditions.
Why the bill was introduced
Over 130 drivers under the age of 18 died in car accidents in 2006. Ambler states that at least two-thirds of underage drivers that died in 2006 could have been saved if they were given proper education and instruction.
What the bill entails
The bill establishes a statewide curriculum of driver’s education courses. In order to fund the mandatory classes, the State of Florida will raise the fees associated with applications for a driver’s license.
The bill will be enacted when it has passed through a house committee. In Florida, any new bill must be approved by a house committee before it is enacted.