Club to host free parent-teen driving seminars to explain new legislation

BUFFALO, N.Y., February 1, 2010 – Legislation signed by Governor David Patterson strengthening graduated driver licensing (GDL) requirements for teen drivers becomes effective on February 22, 2010. AAA is reminding area parents of the new law and encouraging parents and their teen drivers to familiarize themselves with the new process of obtaining a driver license.

The new, stronger graduated driver licensing system bans teens from using any portable electronic devices - hand-held or otherwise, reduces the number of non-family passengers to one, and increases mandatory in-car practice from 20 to 50 hours of certified, supervised driving, with at least 15 of hours being at night. Under the new law, teens under the age of 18 will also be required to hold a learner’s permit for six months before they can obtain a driver license.

“The strengthening of New York State’s GDL requirements encourages more comprehensive behind-the-wheel practice and discourages distracted driving,” said Tom Chestnut, President/CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “Teens drive the least of any age group, but crash the most, making these new requirements vital to enhancing traffic safety in our communities.”

To help further educate local parents and teens on these new requirements, AAA is holding a series of free “Start Smart” Teen Driving Seminars in February. All seminars begin at 6:30 p.m. and reservations are required.

• Monday, February 22 - AAA Orchard Park Travel and Insurance Center, 3475 Amelia Drive
• Tuesday, February 23 - AAA Amherst Travel and Insurance Center, 100 International Drive
• Wednesday, February 24 - AAA Camillus Travel and Insurance Center, 5103 West Genesee Street
• Thursday, February 25 - AAA Penfield Travel and Insurance Center, 2156 Penfield Road

AAA experts will be on hand to guide parents and teens through the entire licensing process, helping them to better understand DMV paperwork and additional requirements for road testing. Driver training and education, driver distractions, rules of the road, and insurance requirements for new teen drivers will also be addressed. To register, please call (800) 836-CLUB (2582) or click www.AAA.com.

Governor David Paterson signed the new graduated driver licensing requirements legislation into law on August 27, 2008 as part of bill that also prohibited the use of portable electronic devices to send text messages, e-mail or view video images while operating a motor vehicle for drivers of all ages. The text messaging ban became effective November 1, 2009. AAA strongly supported and advocated for both pieces of the legislation.

As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides nearly 880,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.

• Printer-friendly version