Video – New State Law Changes Rules for Teen Drivers

ALBANY, NY [NY10] — There’s a reason they call it “sweet 16.” As you step closer to adulthood, part of that independence means getting behind the wheel, but it’s about to get much harder for teens to cruise off once they blow out those birthday candles.

New York is putting a brake on that urge with a new law that kicks in on Monday. There’s now a six month waiting period to take a road test if you’re applying for a learner’s permit. Teens must also log 50 hours of supervised driving.

“The majority of fatalities in teen crashes are those other than the teens so this is not just geared toward teen driver safety. It will be a benefit to all drivers and roadway users as a whole,” said Diana Dibble, AAA Public Affairs Manager.

New York already has a graduated driver’s license system in place, which includes a mandatory defensive driving course, but many felt it could be better.

”Maybe with some longer driving sessions, with family and things of that nature and driving schools, they will see how dangerous it can be if they’re trying to text and things of that nature where if a person gets their license right away, they may still be fairly uninformed,” said Jeffrey Baird, Able II Driving President.

In addition to requiring more experience, this new law is specifically looking to eliminate that kind of distracted driving. All electronics are banned and teens can now have only one non-family member with them in the car. Though this last point may be the most dreaded, this group of young drivers admit it may be necessary.

“I’ll probably be left out in the cold because I’ve been bumming rides off my friends for a while and I’m sure they’ll be happy to get rid of me,” said Paul O’Donnell, learner’s permit driver.

”When you get a group of three or four teenagers in a car at a time, there’s a lot of conversation and gossip going on I guess and it can be distracting definitely,” said Erin Callahan, learner’s permit driver.

Other states that have implemented similar laws have seen a reduction in fatal crashes in 38%.

AAA is providing a free seminar this Wednesday regarding the new driving laws in its Camillus location. Space is limited so you can sign-up for it by logging onto the AAA website at www.aaa.com.