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May 2, 2007

Henry Haupt

Illinois PTA Announces Support for Secretary White's Teen Driver Safety Legislation

The Illinois Parent Teacher Association (PTA) announced their official support for legislation proposed by Secretary of State Jesse White to improve teen driving laws with the aim of reducing traffic crashes and fatalities involving young drivers.

"On Saturday, April 28th, the delegates to the 105th Annual Convention of the Illinois PTA voted to support Senate Bill 172," said Barbara Quinn, President of the Illinois PTA. "The bill works to provide a safer Illinois for all student drivers."

Senate Bill 172 will strengthen the Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program that governs drivers up to the age of 21. Several recent studies have shown that comprehensive GDL programs greatly reduce traffic crashes and fatalities involving teen drivers. The legislation was drafted based on recommendations made by White's Teen Driver Safety Task Force, composed of legislators, traffic safety experts, law enforcement officials, educators, judges and victim advocates.

"I am pleased the Illinois PTA is supporting this meaningful legislation," White said. "Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among adolescents. My goal with this legislation is simple: to save lives."

In addition to the Illinois PTA, this proposal has gained widespread acclaim from leading national traffic safety experts who believe the legislation will make Illinois' GDL program one of the best in the nation.

The Illinois PTA, with a membership of about 200,000, works to support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children.

"We believe this bill will provide parents the information they need to support students as they learn to drive," said Quinn. "It will give students more practical experiences both in school and behind the wheel."

The legislation, sponsored by State Senator John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and State Representative John D'Amico (D-Chicago), was overwhelmingly approved by the full Senate and is now awaiting the consideration of the House. The bill gives teens more time to obtain valuable driving experience while under the watchful eye of a parent or guardian, limits in-car distractions, and requires the teens to earn their way from one stage to the next by avoiding traffic convictions.