BILL ANALYSIS
By: Carona
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
According to the Institute for Highway Safety statistics on crashes in April 2001 through March 2002, drivers under the age of 25 were involved in more accidents than the average driver. About 3,500 teenagers died in teen-driven vehicles in the USA in 2003, a death toll that tops that of any disease or injury for teens. Teen drivers have higher rates of fatal crash involvement than any other age group.
Under current law, persons who commit traffic offenses may be required by a judge to take part in a driving safety course, among other options. However, making the driving safety course a requirement for young drivers should help reduce the number of accidents by increasing their knowledge of safe driving and awareness of the dangers of driving negligently or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. SB 1005 would place this requirement on drivers under the age of 25.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
SB 1005 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to require a driver under the age of 25 who commits a traffic offense classified as a moving violation to complete a driving safety course. If the driver holds a provisional license, the judge shall require that the driver take the drivers' license exam even if the driver was previously examined.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005.