Tougher driving laws for teens? - zero tolerance laws for underage drunk driving and safe driving recommendations from the Natl Highway Traffic Safety Admin

0 Comments | Current Events, Sept 25, 1995

According to President Bill Clinton, one drink is too much for a teen-age driver. "It's time to have zero tolerance for underage drunk driving across America," he said in June. Zero tolerance here means no driving after any drinking.

In fact, such a law is only part of teen-driving programs on the upswing in many states. These states are concerned because traffic accidents are the leading killer of teenagers.

At least 29 states already have a zero tolerance law. Under these laws, a 0.02 alcohol content in a teen driver's blood is enough for a drunk-driving conviction. That much alcohol can result from drinking one beer, one wine cooler, or one shot of alcohol.

Still another proposal to lower teen-age driving deaths is the "Cinderella law." This law forbids teens to drive at night without an adult. Exceptions are commonly made for school activities and trips to work.

The National Highway Traffic Safe Administration (NHTSA) proposes going beyond the two laws discussed above. it suggests a step-by-step program for safer driving. Here are its recommendations:

* Require that a teenager start driving on a learner's permit. The permit allows driving only with a licensed adult.

* Then offer a provisional temporary) license. With this, a teenager could drive alone-except at night.

* After a certain period, give a fall license to the driver.

* Have a zero tolerance rule.

But some people say that the program is too strict. As of July, the Insurance Institute of Highway safety said that no state yet required a full program of this sort.

What do you think? Should a step-by-step approach to driving be required of teenage drivers? Why or why not?