Last October, three Wolcott teens died in an accident in which one of them was driving. Sadly, this is not an uncommon occurrence. According to recent reports, fifteen teenagers died in motor vehicle accidents in Connecticut in 2007, fourteen died in 2006, and thirteen died in 2005. Clearly, the current restrictions imposed on 16- and 17-year old drivers are not sufficient to protect them and the other drivers with whom they share the roads. We must do more to try to prevent future tragedies involving teen drivers. 

National and state data show that teen drivers need greater protection.  In Connecticut, teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 die in motor vehicle crashes at three times the rate for drivers between the ages of 35 and 49. Our teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes at two to three times the rate for drivers between the ages of 35 and 49. The most dangerous circumstances for these drivers seem to be during the first few months – and miles – of driving, at night, when a teenage passenger is present, and when alcohol is involved.           

This year, both Governor M. Jodi Rell and the General Assembly are focused on making changes to our teen driving laws intended to help us to keep our teen drivers safer.  I am working in a bipartisan manner with several other legislators, including Representative John “Corky” Mazurek, to make responsible, necessary changes to our teen driving laws.

One of our initiatives is to give police officers the authority to take immediate action when such action is clearly warranted. Under our proposal, police officers would be required to immediately seize the driver’s license of a 16- or 17-year old driver who has been stopped for reckless driving, driving under the influence, drag racing, passenger restriction violations, or refusing to take a breathalyzer test. Seized licenses would be turned over, with a written explanation, to the Commissioner of the state Department of Motor Vehicles, and the police would secure safe transportation for the driver and passengers.

Under our proposal, a teen whose license has been seized would also automatically have his or her license suspended for various lengths of time depending upon whether it is the driver’s first, second or third offense. In addition, the teen would be required to show proof of completing a driver retraining program, and then be accompanied by a parent or guardian when retrieving his or her license.

Furthermore, our proposal calls for making changes to the existing “reckless driving” law. While existing law permits a charge of “reckless driving” for exceeding 85 miles per hour, our proposal calls for permitting a charge of “reckless driving” for either exceeding 85 miles per hour or driving faster than 25 miles per hour over the speed limit, whichever is less.

Finally, Representative Mazurek and I have proposed that any teen who is caught driving under the influence shall lose his or her license until he or she reaches 21 years of age.  I feel strongly that we must adopt a zero tolerance policy for teens who drink and drive.

Governor Rell has also created a Teen Safe Driving Task Force. The Governor’s task force has issued a series of short-term recommendations and has raised other long-term proposals for discussion. The task force is expected to issue a final report in April. Meanwhile, Governor Rell has proposed her own changes to state laws, including provisions intended to crack down on underage drinking and driving.  She recently released the results of a statewide survey that showed, not surprisingly, that the majority of adults polled favor stronger laws, tougher penalties for violations and increasing educational requirements for teen drivers younger than 18. Last month, Governor Rell asked high school administrators to hold school assemblies regarding safe driving, passenger restriction laws and other safety matters.

I am interested in hearing what you think the General Assembly should do this year to address teen driving issues. I can be reached at my legislative office in Hartford at 860-240-8800, or via e-mail at Sam.Caligiuri@cga.ct.gov. I look forward to hearing from you.