Driving Will Never Be the Same for TexasTeen Drivers

HOUSTON--Dec. 29, 2001--Driving will never be the same for teenage drivers on Texas roadways starting New Year's day. The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law, designed to reduce teen crashes and save lives, goes into effect.

``Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in Texas,'' said Anne O'Ryan, public affairs manager for AAA Texas. ``The most dangerous activity for a Texas teen is to get behind the wheel of a car or to get in the vehicle with another teen driver.''

``Almost all teen crashes are attributed to in-experience, poor judgment and immaturity,'' added O'Ryan.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2002, teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 will have to abide by these requirements:

The graduated driver license law will prevent teens from driving without an adult 21 years or older during the first six months. It also prohibits more than one passenger from being in the vehicle under 21 years of age, who is not a family member. In addition, law enforcement offices can not stop a driver for the sole purpose of determining the age of the driver. States that have adopted a Graduated Driver Licensing program have experienced a reduction up to 35 percent in crashes involving teen drivers. So far, 45 states and the District of Columbia have implemented a Graduated Driver Licensing system.

AAA Texas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, has been serving Texans since 1902. AAA Texas offers its members a full service travel agency, auto-related and financial services, as well as public safety programs and legislative advocacy