SB16 - Legislative Update
Senate Bill 16 was introduced by Senator Travis Holdman during this legislative session, and the bill contains several changes that will greatly improve Indiana’s current teen driving law. The bill passed out of the Senate on February 5th with an overwhelming vote of 43-6 and has now moved over to the House for further consideration. Representative Peggy Welch is the sponsor of the bill in the House.
The House will begin working on this bill after February 25th. At that time, we ask that you contact your representative and ask them to support this legislation that will undoubtedly save lives and prevent injuries.
In addition, there is a rally scheduled to be held on March 4th at noon in the North Atrium of the Statehouse. We are trying to get as many students, parents and other supporters there as possible, so please plan to attend if at all possible. After the rally, we would like for all the attendees to make contact with their representative and ask them to support this bill.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration teens die in cars at a higher rate than any other age group, including senior citizens. The problem is worst among 16-year-olds, who have the most limited driving experience and their immaturity often results in risk -taking behind the wheel.
Risk factors for teens are:
- Inattentiveness: Driver inattention/distraction is the most common contributing factor in multiple-vehicle crashes.
- Excessive speed: Illegal/unsafe speed is the most common contributing factor in single-vehicle crashes. Teens particularly have difficulty adjusting speed to suit current driving conditions.
- Failure to wear a safety belt: Properly wearing a safety belt reduces the risk of fatal injury to occupants.
- Not checking traffic before pulling out: Most crashes involving teens occur at intersections because of their inexperience judging distance and speed.
- Driving with other teens: The presence of passengers strongly increases crash risk. For teen drivers-- the more passengers, the greater the risk.
 Here are some tips for parents of teenagers:
- When you drive, set a good example for your teen.
- Require safety belt use at all times.
- Take time to let your teen practice driving with you while he or she has a learner's permit and during the first year of licensed driving.
- Expose your teen to different driving conditions including wet roads, snow, highways, rural roads, night driving, etc. Also, practice on unfamiliar roads.
- Choose vehicles for safety, not image. For help in selecting a car for your teen, please review "So Your Teen Wants a Car? A Parent’s Guide to Choosing a Vehicle" (PDF 1.4 MB).
- Take the necessary time to discuss driving rules, responsibilities and consequences appropriate for your family.
- Develop a strategy for progressive privileges. As the teen driver gains experience and demonstrates appropriate decisions, allow him or her to "graduate" to a higher level of driving responsibility.
Studies show that new drivers who are supervised have very few crashes. Developing necessary skills for safe driving is a complex task and can be learned only after many hours of practice. Driver education is a first step, but parents have a crucial role in teaching teens to drive.
Here are tips for teen drivers:
- You and your passengers should always wear seat belts.
- Always adjust your seats and mirrors for the best visibility while driving.
- Don't fiddle with the radio, tape or CD player while you are driving. It's better to wait until you can pull over because taking your focus off the road for even a few seconds could lead to a collision.
- Don't blast the radio. You might miss hearing a siren or a horn that could warn you of possible trouble.
- Don't talk on the phone, text message, put on makeup, comb your hair or eat while driving.
- Don't take drugs or ride with anyone who has been using drugs. Even some over -the- counter drugs can make you drowsy.
- Don't drink and drive or ride with anyone who has been drinking.
- When the light turns green, make sure the intersection is clear before you proceed.
- Don't run red lights.
- Obey the speed limit. Going too fast gives you less time to stop or react.
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